Covalent layer-by-layer films: chemistry, design, and multidisciplinary applications

Covalent layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is a powerful method used to construct functional ultrathin films that enables nanoscopic structural precision, componential diversity, and flexible design. Compared with conventional LbL films built using multiple noncovalent interactions, LbL films prepared using covalent crosslinking offer the following distinctive characteristics: (i) enhanced film endurance or rigidity; (ii) improved componential diversity when uncharged species or small molecules are stably built into the films by forming covalent bonds; and (iii) increased structural diversity when covalent crosslinking is employed in componential, spacial, or temporal (labile bonds) selective manners. In this review, we document the chemical methods used to build covalent LbL films as well as the film properties and applications achievable using various film design strategies. We expect to translate the achievement in the discipline of chemistry (film-building methods) into readily available techniques for materials engineers and thus provide diverse functional material design protocols to address the energy, biomedical, and environmental challenges faced by the entire scientific community.

The molecular structure ordering and orientation of the metallophthalocyanine CoPc, ZnPc, CuPc, and MgPc thin layers deposited on silicon substrate, as studied by micro-Raman spectroscopy

In this article, we present orientation study of metallophthalocyanine (MPcs) (CoPc, ZnPc, CuPc, and MgPc) thin films deposited on silicon substrate. The MPc's thin layers were obtained by the quasi-molecular beam evaporation. The micro-Raman scattering spectra of MPc's thin films were investigated in the spectral range 550-1650 cm^-1 using 488 nm excitation wavelength. Raman scattering studies were performed at room temperature before and after annealing process. Annealing process of thin layers was carried out at 200 °C for 6 h. From polarized Raman spectra using surface Raman mapping, the information on polymorphic phase of MPc's layers has been obtained. The chosen Raman modes A_1g and B_1g are connected with different polymorphic phases of MPc (α and β form) thin layers. Moreover, the obtained results showed the influence of the annealing process on the ordering of the molecular structure. Following the annealing process, it was observed arrangement of the thin layers structure being revealed in Raman spectra. The obtained results indicate that the annealing process has a significant influence on the structure of thin layers being under study.