LB films prepared in this way are to be used as a matrix for reactions in a restricted environment, or as reactive substrates for surface or surface grafting. The number of functional groups per unit area and their distribution along the surface are well defined in this model system.
Polymer membranes play an important role in packaging and separation applications.
Ultrathin films of crosslinked alkylcelluloses are to be used as model membranes. The membranes are prepared by the LB technique and then stabilized by photocrosslinking. The diffusion of small molecules and polymers within the layers is studied using X-ray analysis and fluorescence measurements. Cyclic voltamograms have demonstrated that polymerization rates are higher in the presence of cellulose. A photopatterning technique was used to show preferential growth of the polymers covered by the cellulose multilayer.