Supramolecular thin films via the Langmuir-Blodgett-Kuhn (LBK) technique

Supramolecular organic thin films can be made by combining the Langmuir- Kuhn (LBK) technique and a host of self-assembly processes. Studies have been made on the formation of 'passive-active' AB, Y-type multilayers with a class of polyelectrolytes called ionenes and ionic NLO active amphiphiles. These films were investigated using several ultrathin film sensitive techniques to determine multilayer structure and ordering. Foremost of these techniques is surface plasmon spectroscopy (SPS), which is highly sensitive to thickness and refractive index changes of an adsorbed dielectric film. Unique layered architectures were only possible via deposition using an alternate three- compartment dipping trough. Two main factors were determined necessary for film integrity; electrostatic interaction in the hydrophilic layers and stability of the hydrophobic barrier layer. Combined with polymer self- assembly solution adsorption, film architectures from AXB to AXYZB types were realized. At the same time, the uniqueness of the approach allowed the preparation of systems suitable for in situ polymer solution adsorption investigations.