Robust and Versatile Coatings Engineered via Simultaneous Covalent and Noncovalent Interactions

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Interfacial modular assembly is key for modifying substrate surfaces in biomedicine, photonics, and catalysis.
• Developing robust and adaptable surface coatings is crucial for diverse applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a versatile and robust coating (pBDT-TA) assembled from tannic acid (TA) and benzene-1,4-dithiol (BDT).
• To demonstrate tunable thickness and high stability of the pBDT-TA coating in various harsh environments.
• To showcase the potential for secondary modifications and integration of functional molecules onto the coating.

Main Methods:

• Self-assembly of tannic acid (TA) and benzene-1,4-dithiol (BDT) to form the pBDT-TA coating.
• Tuning coating thickness (5-40 nm) by adjusting BDT concentration.
• Assessing coating stability through experiments and simulations in diverse aqueous conditions (pH, ionic strength, temperature) and surfactant solutions.
• Demonstrating secondary functionalization via phenolic-mediated adhesion and π-π interactions.

Main Results:

• A self-assembled pBDT-TA coating with tunable thickness was successfully engineered on various substrates.
• The coating exhibited remarkable stability in harsh conditions, including extreme pH, high ionic strength, high temperature, and surfactant solutions.
• The pBDT-TA coating facilitated secondary reactions for creating hybrid adlayers (e.g., ZIF-8 shells) and integrating fluorescent dyes (e.g., rhodamine B).

Conclusions:

• The pBDT-TA coating presents a versatile and robust platform for surface engineering.
• Its tunable thickness, exceptional stability, and facile functionalization capabilities make it promising for applications in biomedicine, photonics, and catalysis.
• This approach offers a simplified method for creating advanced hybrid materials without complex synthesis.