Exploring the benefits of surface analysis techniques to develop double multilayer transfer printing of J-Aggregates cyanine dyes by integrating L-b-L and ?Cp processes

Layer-by-layer self-assembly (L-b-L assembly) makes possible to obtain polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) and one of the polyelectrolytes could be replaced by a dye molecule to obtain multilayers which may exhibit optical properties of great interest. On the other hand, mu Cp has become a routine technique for the preparation of micro -and nanostructured surfaces. In our development in progress of a surface engineering strategy to transfer J-Agg cyanine dyes onto surfaces by integrating L-b-L process and mu Cp, this contribution highlights how surface analysis imaging techniques can bring valuable information for the development of the process involving a double Multilayers Transfer Printing (MTP) with a Moire ' effect. Key parameters sustaining image interpretation are difference in deposit thickness (optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy), in roughness (atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy), in charge effect (scanning electron microscopy) and the chemical contrast between unprinted and printed areas (time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry).

Automated summary

Layer-by-layer self-assembly and micro-nanostructured surface preparation techniques can be combined to achieve dye transfer, and surface analysis imaging techniques can provide valuable information for the development of this process.