Mussel-inspired layer-by-layer assembled polymeric films with fast growing and NIR light triggered healing capabilities. (5th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Xu; Wang, Rui; Wu, Fapu; Yue, Huijuan; Cui, Zhifeng; Zhou, Xianfeng; Lu, Yingxi
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 158(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09-05
• Subjects: Layer-by-layer assembly -- Polydopamine -- Photothermal effective -- Healing; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2021.110689
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Polydopamine-crosslinked polyelectrolyte multilayer films are designed. Multilayers are fabricated by the simple and versatile layer-by-layer assembly. Photothermal effect induced by NIR light gradually varies with number of bilayers. Perfect healing capability is promoted by photothermal effect. Abstract: The development of a versatile and efficient thick membrane is significant to realize the practical applications of a membrane material, but could be limited by its preparation method. In this work, a facial method to fabricate mussel-inspired and polydopamine-crosslinked polyelectrolyte multilayers with fast growing and excellent healing capabilities using layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is demonstrated. Two kinds of polyelectrolytes, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and branched polyethylenimine (PEI), are used as building blocks. By simply preblending dopamine (DA) with PAA component (PAA&DA, pH 2.5) and then subsequently assembling with PEI (pH 8.5), the assembled (PAA&DA/PEI)*n multilayer films based on supramolecular interactions and covalent bonds exhibits an exponential growth behavior, leading to a rapid increment in film thickness. The formed polydomamine in the multilayers by crosslinking amine groups in PEI and catechol moieties in DA under an alkaline condition during LbL assembly process endows multilayer films excellent healing capability triggered by NIR light. The assembled (PAA&DA/PEI)*n multilayers are very stable. There are no any ruptures in the multilayer films even after exposing under NIR light for up to 10 min.