Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Polyelectrolytes. Dipping versus Spraying

We studied the properties of polyelectrolyte multilayer films prepared using the technique of polyelectrolyte deposition from solution (dipping) or supplying the solutions to the surface by spraying. The quality of films obtained by those two techniques was compared to find out whether the well-established dipping procedure can be replaced with the spraying technique. Neutron and X-ray reflectometric studies were performed on the samples of interest. We found that multilayers prepared by dipping are thicker, denser and less rough than films having the same number of layers, i.e., having the same number of deposition cycles, obtained by spraying.