A novel polyelectrolyte with branched azo side chains: Synthesis, characterization and self-assembled nanostructures

Abstract

A novel polyelectrolyte (PEAPB6P-AA) functionalized with branched azo side chains has been synthesized. Aggregation of the azo chromophores of PEAPB6P-AA in H2O/tetrahydrofuran (THF) mixed solvent was detected from its influences on UV-vis spectra and photoresponsive behavior. Micelle-like nanoparticles were found when the concentration of PEAPB6P-AA increased to above 0.2 mmol·L-1 in the mixed solvent (THF/H2O = 1:20 vol.-%). Multilayers of the micelle-like nanoparticles and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDAC) were fabricated by an lectrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly process. Particularly high wettability of the multilayer surfaces was observed, which affirmed the self-assembled micelle-like structure of the particles.