Nanoconfined Polyelectrolyte Multilayers

Abstract

Lateral nanometer-scale control over the growth of polyelectrolyte (layer-by-layer) multilayers is demonstrated down to 40 nm, which is well below the natural size of the macromolecules in solution. Because of confinement upon adsorption, the molecules change conformation as compared with the usual, macroscopic case (see Figure). This work opens direct opportunities for transferring polyelectrolyte multilayer systems to nanotechnology. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2089/2006/c1218_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.