Photochemical disruption of polyelectrolyte multilayers.
Photoreactive polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) that dissolve upon UV irradiation are described. Light-induced switching of the formal charge of a photoreactive polycation resulted in repulsive interlayer electrostatic forces, and caused the dissolution of PEM films. Combining both photoreactive and inert polycations in the same film yielded additional control over the light-induced change in film thickness.
Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
Damla
D
Koylu
Mahesh
M
Thapa
Patricia
P
Gumbley
Samuel W
SW
Thomas
D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D004573:Electrolytes; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers