New 2-in-1 polyelectrolyte step-by-step film buildup without solution alternation: from PEDOT-PSS to polyelectrolyte complexes

Langmuir. 2012 Jun 12;28(23):8681-91. doi: 10.1021/la301254a. Epub 2012 May 31.

Abstract

Although never emphasized and increasingly used in organic electronics, PEDOT-PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrene sulfonate)) layer-by-layer (lbl) film construction violates the alternation of polyanion and polycation rule stated as a prerequisit for a step-by-step film buildup. To demonstrate that this alternation is not always necessary, we studied the step-by-step construction of films using a single solution containing polycation/polyanion complexes. We investigated four different systems: PEDOT-PSS, bPEI-PSS (branched poly(ethylene imine)-poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate)), PDADMA-PSS (poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium)-PSS), and PAH-PSS (poly(allylamine hydrochloride)-PSS). The film buildup obtained by spin-coating or dipping-and-drying process was monitored by ellipsometry, UV-vis-NIR spectrophotometry, and quartz-crystal microbalance. The surface morphology of the films was characterized by atomic force microscopy in tapping mode. After an initial transient regime, the different films have a linear buildup with the number of deposition steps. It appears that, when the particles composed of polyanion-polycation complex and complex aggregates in solution are more or less liquid (case of PEDOT-PSS and bPEI-PSS), our method leads to smooth films (roughness on the order of 1-2 nm). On the other hand, when these complexes are more or less solid particles (case of PDADMA-PSS and PAH-PSS), the resulting films are much rougher (typically 10 nm). Polycation/polyanion molar ratios in monomer unit of the liquid, rinsing, and drying steps are key parameters governing the film buildup process with an optimal polycation/polyanion molar ratio leading to the fastest film growth. This new and general lbl method, designated as 2-in-1 method, allows obtaining regular and controlled film buildup with a single liquid containing polyelectrolyte complexes and opens a new route for surface functionalization with polyelectrolytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Polyamines / chemistry*
  • Polyelectrolytes
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry*
  • Quartz Crystal Microbalance Techniques
  • Solutions
  • Static Electricity
  • Surface Properties
  • Thiophenes / chemistry*

Substances

  • Polyamines
  • Polyelectrolytes
  • Polymers
  • Polystyrenes
  • Solutions
  • Thiophenes
  • poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate)
  • polyanions
  • polycations