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Automated process for improved uniformity and versatility of layer-by-layer deposition
K C Krogman1, N S Zacharia, S Schroeder
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|February 10, 2007
Summary
A new automated spray system for layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly significantly speeds up thin polymer film deposition. This technology enables uniform coating of diverse materials, including nanoparticles and hydrophobic surfaces, with reduced process times.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- The layer-by-layer (LbL) technique is a method for constructing thin films.
- Conventional LbL assembly involves dipping substrates into solutions.
- Developing faster and more automated methods for LbL film fabrication is desirable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and extend the practice of spraying polyelectrolyte solutions for thin film construction.
- To describe a fully automated system for depositing thin polymer films using atomized mists.
- To broaden the versatility and applications of spray LbL technology.
Main Methods:
- Development of a fully automated system for spray LbL assembly.
- Utilizing atomized mists of polyelectrolyte solutions with complementary functionalities.
- Characterization of film growth, process times, and coating uniformity using ESEM imaging.
Main Results:
- Film growth in spray LbL is comparable to conventional dipped LbL assembly.
- The automated system achieves a 25-fold decrease in process times.
- The technology successfully deposited weak/strong polyelectrolytes, hydrogen-bonded films, dendrimers, nanoparticles, and uniformly coated hydrophobic substrates.
Conclusions:
- Automated spray LbL offers a rapid and uniform method for thin film deposition.
- The technology enhances control by eliminating operator-induced nonuniformities.
- Spray LbL is versatile and applicable to various materials and large-area coating, including textiles.
