Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Heterogeneous Modular Nanocomposites

Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of nanoparticles and polyelectrolyte multilayers into alternating nonrepetitive strata (modules) demonstrates an important advance in heterogeneous nanocomposites from random or repetitive distributions of nanoparticles to a versatile modular design. The morphology and composition for each module are determined by the LbL assembly conditions, as confirmed by cross-section transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thickness and spacing of the modules are maintained in the 5–50 nm range relevant for nanoscale proximal interactions.