Abstract
We present the design of an automated spin-coater that facilitates fabrication of polymer films based on molecular layer-by-layer (mLbL) assembly. Specifically, we demonstrate the synthesis of ultrathin crosslinked fully-aromatic polyamide (PA) films that are chemically identical to polymer membranes used in water desalination applications as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. X-ray reflectivity measurements indicate that the automated mLbL assembly creates films with a constant film growth rate and minimal roughness compared with the traditional interfacial polymerization of PA. This automated spin-coater improves the scalability and sample-to-sample consistency by reducing human involvement in the mLbL assembly.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 114102 |
Journal | Review of Scientific Instruments |
Volume | 83 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 Nov |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Instrumentation