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Graphene-polyelectrolyte multilayer film formation driven by hydrogen bonding
Alison Y W Sham1, Shannon M Notley1
1Department of Applied Mathematics, Research School of Physics and Engineering, Australian National University, Acton, 2601, ACT, Australia.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|June 21, 2015
Summary
Hydrogen bonded multilayer thin films were prepared using a Layer-By-Layer technique. These surfactant-stabilized graphene and polyelectrolyte films exhibit pH responsiveness and tunable mechanical properties, making them suitable for coatings.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Multilayer thin films offer tunable properties for advanced applications.
- Graphene and polyelectrolytes are versatile building blocks for functional materials.
- Controlling film growth and mechanical properties is crucial for material design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for preparing hydrogen-bonded multilayer thin films.
- To investigate the growth mechanism and mechanical properties of these films.
- To explore the potential of these films in coating applications.
Main Methods:
- Layer-By-Layer (LbL) assembly at low pH.
- Sequential adsorption of surfactant-stabilized graphene and anionic polyelectrolytes (polyacrylic acid).
- Characterization using Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM), Raman Spectroscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (QNM).
Main Results:
- Film formation driven by hydrogen bonding between polyacrylic acid and surfactant.
- Evidence of superlinear film growth.
- Reduced Young's Modulus decreases with increasing layers, reaching bulk values (6.07-32.3 MPa).
- Films show partial deterioration at neutral and basic pH.
Conclusions:
- Successfully prepared hydrogen-bonded multilayer thin films with tunable properties.
- Demonstrated pH responsiveness and mechanical characteristics suitable for coatings.
- The LbL technique allows for controlled film architecture and functionality.
