A pH-responsive polyelectrolyte multilayer film with tunable interfacial properties

Tao Jiang, Saeed Zajforoushan Moghaddam, Esben Thormann*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

84 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

We report a facile and versatile approach to fabricate polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films with a chemically modifiable outer surface. A PEM film was prepared by layer-by-layer assembly of poly (2-aminoethyl methacrylate) (PAMA) and polymethacrylic acid (PMAA), terminated with a partially tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc)-protected random copolymer (PAMA-co-PBocAMA) as the final layer. The obtained PEM film was then cross-linked and the free amino groups in the PEM film were quenched using EDC/NHS chemistry. The outer layer of the film was then treated via a deprotection reaction, affording free amino groups selectively located at the film surface. As a proof of concept study, these functional groups were used to modify the film surface with two model hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds, which tuned the wettability of the PEM.
Original languageEnglish
Article number123367
JournalPolymer
Volume214
Number of pages7
ISSN0032-3861
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A pH-responsive polyelectrolyte multilayer film with tunable interfacial properties'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this