Layer-by-Layer Electrostatic Self-assembly Method: A Facile Approach of Preparing Nanoscale Molecular Thin Films

Fabrication of thin films incorporating the nanosized objects is one of the important issues in modern nanoscience and nanotechnology. Various methods have been attempted to prepare nanoscale molecular thin films among which layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly method has become a prime choice in this direction. Over the last 15 years, the layer-by-layer (LbL) electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) technology has proven to be a versatile method for surface modification. This approach is likely to find widespread application because of its simplicity and versatility. This is a low cost and facile approach for assembling various organic and inorganic and bio materials onto solid substrate with diverse properties when compared to their solution or bulk crystalline phase. This technique relies on the electrostatic interactions between the oppositely charged species from their aqueous solution and in solid substrate. No complicated instrument is required in this method. LbL ESA method is an elegant choice for preparing thin films of functional dye molecules. Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly has emerged as a versatile, gentle and, simple method for immobilization of various biomaterials in an easily controllable thin film morphology onto solid substrate. Recently organic-inorganic nanostructured thin films for various technological applications have been prepared by this method.