To combine precursor assembly and layer-by-layer deposition for incorporation of single-charged species: Nanocontainers with charge-selectivity and nanoreactors

We describe a method to fabricate single-charged functional species of sodium 9-anthracenepropionate (SANP) into poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA)/poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) multilayer film by precursor assembly in bulk and then layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition at interface. By formation of PDDA-SANP complex in aqueous solution and then deposition in alternation with PSS, SANP was successfully introduced into PDDA/PSS multilayer assemblies. Our detailed experiment revealed that the release rate of SANP from the film was related to the concentration of electrolyte in aqueous solution, and the fast adsorption of SANP onto the film was related to the positively charged binding sites in the film. These binding sites, which were formed by desorption of SANP, can attract negatively charged molecules and repulse positively charged molecules in aqueous solution. In addition, photocycloaddition reaction of SANP can take place with a quantum yield 4 times higher than that in solution, suggesting that LbL assemblies are good candidates as nanoreactors. © 2005 American Chemical Society.