Freestanding Nanostructures via Layer-by-Layer Assembly

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) 2006-04, Vol.18 (7), p.829-840
• Main Authors: Jiang, C., Tsukruk, V. V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon nanotube composites; Layer-by-layer assembly; Membranes; metal; Microcapsules; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Nanoparticles, metal; Nanostructures; Polymer nanocomposites; Sensors; Thin films
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.200502444

Freestanding flexible nanocomposite structures fabricated by layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly are promising candidates for many potential applications, such as in the fields of thermomechanical sensing, controlled release, optical detection, and drug delivery. In this article, we review recent advances in the fabrication and characterization of different types of freestanding LbL structures in air and at air/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces, including micro‐ and nanocapsules, microcantilevers, freely suspended membranes, encapsulated nanoparticle arrays, and sealed‐cavity arrays. Several recently developed fabrication techniques, such as spin‐assisted coating, dipping, and micropatterning, make the assembly process more efficient and impart novel physical properties to the freestanding films. Freestanding flexible nanocomposite structures fabricated using layer‐by‐layer assembly are promising candidates for many prospective applications in the fields of thermomechanical sensors, controlled release, optical detection, and drug delivery. In this review, recent advances in the fabrication and characterization of several different types of freestanding nanostructures, including micro‐ and nanocapsules, microcantilevers, freely suspended membranes, encapsulated nanoparticle arrays, and sealed cavity arrays are discussed.