Layer-by-layer self-assembly preparation of layered double hydroxide/polyelectrolyte nanofilms monitored by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy

• Published in: Colloid and polymer science 2005-06, Vol.283 (9), p.937-945
• Main Authors: SZEKERES, M, SZECHENYI, A, STEPAN, K, HARASZTI, T, DEKANY, I
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Contact; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Gold; Hydroxides; Multilayers; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Scientific apparatus & instruments; Self assembly; Spectrum analysis; Surface chemistry; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0303-402X; 1435-1536
• DOI: 10.1007/s00396-004-1250-9

Layer-by-layer self-assembly was used to prepare nanofilms of (2:1) MgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles and polyacrylic acid or sodium polystyrene sulfonate. The multilayers were attached to ~50-nm thick gold films on microscopy glass slides prepared by vacuum evaporation. The contact between the gold film and the multilayered films was mediated via surface modification with thiols, adsorption of poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium) chloride (PDDA) or direct binding of the LDH particles. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectra of the multilayered films were analyzed by fitting the Fresnel equations. The shifts in the SPR angle ([delta]Θ^sub SPR^) due to the adsorption/deposition on the gold surface were used to evaluate the process of building up the multilayers. Strong surface/multilayer contact formed when electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic interaction were combined as in the case of mercaptopropanoic acid or PDDA sticking layers. The LDH suspension concentration strongly influenced the number of deposited layers. The multilayer films were investigated by reflection FT-IR spectroscopy.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]