Nanostructuring polymers, colloids, and nanomaterials at the air–water interface through Langmuir and Langmuir–Blodgett techniques

Abstract

Nanostructuring macromolecules and nanomaterials at the air–water interface through Langmuir monolayers, Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) and Langmuir–Schaefer (LS) films has been effectively used to investigate surface chemical/physical properties and achieve well-controlled surface morphologies. In this article, we review research progress and approaches in utilizing specific amphiphilic polymers, π-conjugated polymers, dendrons/dendrimers, metal/semiconductor nanoparticles, and colloidal spheres. Well-designed polymers, colloids, and nanomaterials enable structure–property correlation and observation of new phenomena not previously observed in bulk materials.