pH-Regulated Single and Double Charge Inversions on PEI-Coated Surfaces

The pH-regulated charge inversions on polyethylenimine (PEI)-coated surfaces are indispensable to their applications in biomaterials and nanomaterials. Various PEI-coated surfaces, where single charge inversion happens, have been extensively investigated, while the surfaces where double charge inversion appears are less reported. Here, using a molecular theory, we systematically study the pH-regulated charge density of PEI-coated surfaces. The results suggest whether single or double charge inversion happens depends on PEI affinity to the surface and the bare surface charge density. The region of double charge inversion is much smaller than that of single charge inversion, revealing the reason why double charge inversion is less observed in experiments. Besides, the charge inversions are significantly influenced by the solution condition. The present work provides a useful guideline to the selection of the coated materials and the parameters of PEI solution in the design of PEI-coated surfaces aiming to promote their applications in multifunctional nanomaterials.