Layer-by-layer Multilayered Film Formation on Gradient Polyelectrolyte Brush Prepared by Bipolar Electrochemistry

Polyelectrolyte multilayer formation on a gradient polymer brush was investigated for the first time. The gradient anionic polyelectrolyte brush was synthesized by combining bipolar electrochemistry and electrochemical atom transfer radical polymerization. The resulting gradient polyelectrolyte brush was used as a template for layer-by-layer deposition of a cationic and an anionic polymer. The thickness measurement revealed that the multilayered film had an in-plane gradation of thickness, reflecting the number of anionic charges of the underlying polymer brush.