A plug and socket approach for tightening polyelectrolyte multilayers

Abstract

A plug and socket approach for tightening polyelectrolyte multilayers is introduced based on the use pendant β-cyclodextrin groups. Prototypical multilayers derived from poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) and β-cyclodextrin-containing poly(4-vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride) are described. Evidence for tightened multilayers has been obtained from gas permeation, swelling and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) measurements.