Multilayer Transfer Printing for Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Patterning: Direct Transfer of Layer-by-Layer Assembled Micropatterned Thin Films

摘要

Polyelectrolyte multilayer assembly, developed by De-cher, has created an inexpensive route to the formation of electro-optical, conducting and luminescent thin films; recent developments include new functionalities such as electrochromic thin films, photovoltaics, ion-ically conducting systems, and even new biologically functional systems for cell templating and drug delivery. The multilayer assembly process employs a variety of water-soluble charged polymers in an economical and environmentally benign aqueous process that produces finely controlled thin film nanocomposites applicable to a virtually limitless number of surfaces. The technique thus possesses unique advantages for a variety of device fabrication applications that are distinct from conventional thin film processes such as vacuum deposition and Langmuir-Blodgett techniques. Amongst the many areas of study regarding polyelectrolyte multilayers, the particular interest of this communication is to explore how such techniques could be used to fabricate commercial devices. For any commercially relevant functionality (e.g., electro-optic and electronic devices, flexible displays, micropower, or sensor applications), it is critical to control the two- and three-dimensional (3D) placement of polyelectrolyte multilayer films on substrates.