Colloidal-electrochemical fabrication strategies for functional composites of linear polyethylenimine

Colloidal-electrochemical fabrication strategies have been developed for the deposition of linear polyethylenimine (LPEI) composite materials. Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) allowed for the fabrication of composite films containing Mn₃O₄ and ZnO nanoparticles, as well as advanced flame retardant materials, such as halloysite nanotubes and memory-type Al-Mg-Zr complex hydroxide (AMZ) in the matrix of the water-insoluble LPEI. A liquid-liquid extraction method has been designed for the agglomerate-free processing of AMZ particles. Efficient extraction was achieved using decylphosphonic acid as an extractor. A conceptually new polymer complex (PC)-EPD method has been developed, which is based on the use of LPEI-metal ion complexes. Proof-of-concept studies involved the fabrication of LPEI-Ni(OH)₂ and LPEI-MnOx nanocomposites. The composites showed valuable flame retardant and charge-storage properties. The analysis of basic EPD and PC-EPD mechanisms as well as complexing properties of LPEI has driven the development of new strategies for the fabrication of organic composites. Hemoglobin was used as a model protein for the fabrication of composite films. Another important finding was the fabrication of composites, containing cyclodextrin, which is a unique carrier of various functional organic molecules. EPD and PC-EPD are versatile methods, which allow for the deposition of novel LPEI based composites containing various functional materials.