Stimuli-Responsive Free-Standing Layer-By-Layer Films

Xiaoran Hu; Ethan McIntosh; Marc G Simon; Cristian Staii; Samuel W Thomas 3rd

doi:10.1002/adma.201504219

Stimuli-Responsive Free-Standing Layer-By-Layer Films

Adv Mater. 2016 Jan 27;28(4):715-21. doi: 10.1002/adma.201504219. Epub 2015 Nov 30.

Authors

Xiaoran Hu¹, Ethan McIntosh¹, Marc G Simon², Cristian Staii², Samuel W Thomas 3rd¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
² Department of Physics and Astronomy, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.

PMID: 26618480
DOI: 10.1002/adma.201504219

Abstract

Free-standing, stimuli-responsive polyelectrolyte multilayer films enabled by light-induced degradation of sacrificial compartments are introduced. Two examples are described: i) a triple responsive film that uses light, redox, and pH for different functions, and ii) different wavelengths of light for different functions. This approach to multiresponsive materials offers simple design and chemical synthesis while enabling different stimuli to perform separate functions in the same material.

Keywords: free-standing films; layer-by-layer films; nitrobenzyl esters; stimuli-responsive materials; triggered release.