Spray‐Assisted Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Buildup: from Step‐by‐Step to Single‐Step Polyelectrolyte Film Constructions

Abstract

The alternate deposition of polyanions and polycations on a solid substrate leads to the formation of nanometer to micrometer films called Polyelectrolyte Multilayers. This step-by-step construction of organic films constitutes a method of choice to functionalize surfaces with applications ranging from optical to bioactive coatings. The method was originally developed by dipping the substrate in the different polyelectrolyte solutions. Recent advances show that spraying the polyelectrolyte solutions onto the substrate represents an appealing alternative to dipping because it is much faster and easier to adapt at an industrial level. Multilayer deposition by spraying is thus greatly gaining in interest. Here we review the current literature on this deposition method. After a brief history of polyelectrolyte multilayers to place the spraying method in its context, we review the fundamental issues that have been addresses so far. We then give an overview the different fields where the method has been applied.

Layer by layer electroless deposition: An efficient route for preparing adhesion-enhanced metallic coatings on plastic surfaces

“…In this process, solutions are sprayed onto a vertical substrate, producing a large uniform surface and the same composition as dip-coated thin coating assemblies [16]. The Hammond group [17] further elaborated on an automated spraying LbL method by developing a computer controlled apparatus capable of spray-depositing LbL coatings of several well-understood polyelectrolyte systems.…”

Improving the efficacy of chlorhexidine-releasing elastomerics using a layer-by-layer coating technique

“…A previous study that used a dipping method to coat elastomerics as a single thick layer found limitations in maintaining the coating layer and sustaining the release of CHX. A layer-by-layer (LBL) technique can be used to build up a thin multilayer film 20,21) , and so the present study utilized a LBL technique to build up multilayer films using spray to overcome the limitations associated with a single thick layer.…”

On the distinct molecular architectures of dipping- and spray-LbL films containing lipid vesicles

“…The recent variation of the LbL technique based on spraying [17][18][19][20][21][22] has brought new possibilities, since the fast procedure makes it probably compliant with industrial processes. With spraying one may obviate one practical limitation of dipping LbL films, which require long periods of time for complete layer adsorption and normally coat small areas.…”