Langmuir-Blodgett-Kuhn multilayer assemblies of NLO active amphiphiles and ionene polymers: Importance of complementary charges

Langmuir-Blodgett-Kuhn films of ionene polymers and nonlinear optically (NLO) active amphiphiles were investigated using several ultrathin film-sensitive techniques to determine multilayer ordering. Studies involved the formation of ''passive-active'' AB y-type multilayers of the ionenes and the NLO active amphiphiles. Deposition was possible with the use of an alternate three compartment dipping trough. The multilayer structures and thicknesses were verified by X-ray diffraction and reflection measurements and surface plasmon spectroscopy on a gold-coated glass substrate. Two main factors were determined to be responsible for the formation of stable alternating film architectures, namely electrostatic interaction in the hydrophilic layers and the van der Waals interaction in the hydrophobic layers. The use of ionenes as a class of amphiphilic polymers allowed the preparation of films with excellent optical quality.