Layer-by-layer self-assembly of bisdendrons: An unprecedented route to multilayer thin films

Abstract

We present an unprecedented route to fabricate multilayer thin films by single component layer-by-layer molecular self-assembly. Tailored water-soluble phosphorus bisdendrons were obtained via core to core assembling of two dendrons bearing anionic groups at one end and quaternizable amino groups at the other end. Adsorption of a 1(st) bisdendron monolayer on a charged substrate followed by sequential quaternization/deposition of a 2(nd) layer leads to a stepwise growth of multilayers. By this way, homogeneous multilayer thin films were successfully constructed as confirmed by spectroscopic and microscopic analysis.