Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte produced using a layer-by layer (LBL) assembly process. The solid electrolyte is assembled on a substrate by alternating exposure to dilute solutions of polycation and polyanion or hydrogen-bonding donor and hydrogen-bonding acceptor. Ethylene oxide content is introduced into the LBL film by 1) covalent grafting onto a polyionic species, 2) inclusion of an ethylene oxide (e.g. PEO) polymer as one of the two component species of a LBL assembly, or 3) the addition of ethylene oxide-containing small molecule, oligomer, or polymer to a fully assembled LBL polymer matrix. The prepared films were to be ultrathin SPE films with sound mechanical properties and ion conductivity to meet the needs of current applications, such as batteries, fuels cells, sensors and electrochromic devices.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate generally to methods, compositions, articles, and devices associated with layer-by-layer assembly and/or functionalization of carbon-based nanostructures and related structures. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for forming an assembly of carbon-based nanostructures on a surface. The carbon-based nanostructure assembly may exhibit enhanced properties, such as improved arrangement of carbon-based nanostructures (e.g., carbon nanotubes) and/or enhanced electronic and/or ionic conductivity and/or other useful features. In some cases, improved properties may be observed due to the attachment of functional groups to the surfaces of carbon-based nanostructures. Using methods described herein, formation of carbon-based nanostructure assemblies may be controlled to produce structures with enhanced properties.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a method of preparing metal oxide coated substrates for various potential applications, and the coated substrate formed thereby.

Abstract: A decomposable thin film includes a plurality of multilayer units including a first layer having a first charge and a second layer having a second charge, wherein at least a portion of the multilayers includes a polymeric cyclodextrin associated with a bioactive agent, wherein decomposition of the thin film is characterized by sequential removal of at least a portion of the layers having the first charge and degradation of layers having the second charge and by release of the bioactive agent from a corresponding layers; wherein the decomposable thin film including at least one degradable polyelectrolyte layer that is hydrolyzable.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an automated apparatus capable of spray depositing polyelectrolytes via the LbL mechanism with minimal or no human interaction. In certain embodiments, the apparatus sprays atomized polyelectrolytes onto a vertically oriented substrate. To counteract the effects of irregular spray patterns, the substrate is preferably slowly rotated about a central axis. In certain embodiments, the apparatus also includes a forced pathway for the droplets, such as a pathway created by using a vacuum. In this way, a thicker or three-dimensional substrate can be coated. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is designed so as to be scalable. Thus, through the use of multiple instantiations of the apparatus, a large or irregularly shaped substrate can be coated. Rolls of textile can therefore be coated using the apparatus. Additionally, the present invention includes a method to uniformly coat a substrate, such as a hydrophobic textile material, using aqueous solutions of polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides ion-exchange and gas-diffusion membranes, fabricated by a layer-by-layer approach, for use, e.g., in electrochemical cells; a process for making membrane electrode assemblies fabricated using porous frameworks, LBL composite membranes and LBL carbon-Polymer electrodes; and the application of the membrane and electrode assemblies to a variety of devices, both electrochemical and otherwise.

Abstract: A structure includes a substrate and a first plurality of bilayers on the substrate. The first plurality of bilayers includes a first layer including an antimicrobial peptide having a charge, and a second layer including a polyelectrolyte having a charge opposite the charge of the first layer. At least a portion of the structure is capable of degrading by sequential removal of the first layer and the second layer, and releasing the antimicrobial peptide from the structure.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed methods, and compositions produced using them, to assemble highly conducting, hydrolytically stable polymer electrolyte films from commercially-available, water-soluble polymers using layer-by-layer assembly technology. In certain embodiments, these films can be used for electrochemical device applications which require an ion-conducting material to operate. For example, the power efficiency of any electrochemical device with a solid polymer electrolyte layer can be increased by this technology by virtue of the low ionic resistance of these layer-by-layer assembled thin film electrolytes. Specifically, direct-methanol operated fuel cells (DMFCs) should benefit remarkably, as the described technology offers very high conductivity values at fully hydrated conditions with low fuel (methanol) crossover.

Abstract: Provided are systems for controlled release of proteins from decomposable thin films constructed by layer-by-layer deposition. Such films generally comprise alternating layers of polymers and proteins, and may further comprise additional layers of polyions. In some embodiments, decomposable thin films and methods of using such films allow proteins to be released over an extended period of time and/or retention of as much as 100% of function of released protein.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for transferring a patterned polyelectrolyte multilayer from a first surface, e.g., a PDMS stamp, to a second surface, e.g. fabric or a non-woven material, wherein the patterned polyelectrolyte multilayer on the first surface is brought into contact with the second surface in order to transfer the polyelectrolyte multilayer from the first surface to the second surface. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a stamp comprising a surface coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer suitable for transfer to a substrate using the aforementioned method of transferring patterned multilayers.

Abstract: A decomposable thin film comprising a plurality of polyelectrolyte layers of alternating charge, wherein decomposition of the thin film is characterized by degradation of at least a portion of the polyelectrolyte layers.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for transferring a patterned polyelectrolyte multilayer from a first surface, e.g., a PDMS stamp, to a second surface, e.g. fabric or a non-woven material. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a stamp comprising a surface coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer suitable for transfer to a substrate using the aforementioned method of transferring patterned multilayers.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte produced using a layer-by layer (LBL) assembly process. The solid electrolyte is assembled on a substrate by alternating exposure to dilute solutions of polycation and polyanion or hydrogen-bonding donor and hydrogen-bonding acceptor. Ethylene oxide content is introduced into the LBL film by 1) covalent grafting onto a polyionic species, 2) inclusion of an ethylene oxide (e.g. PEO) polymer as one of the two component species of a LBL assembly, or 3) the addition of ethylene oxide-containing small molecule, oligomer, or polymer to a fully assembled LBL polymer matrix. The prepared films were to be ultrathin SPE films with sound mechanical properties and ion conductivity to meet the needs of current applications, such as batteries, fuels cells, sensors and electrochromic devices.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of creating patterned composite structures on a surface via layer-by-layer deposition of thin films. In certain embodiments, the surface is chemically patterned by the direct stamping of functional polymers on the surface film. A pattern may then be used as a template for the further depositions of materials on the surface. This concept may be applied to various functional polymer and substrate systems as well as various thin film deposition techniques.

Abstract: A decomposable thin film comprising a plurality of polyelectrolyte layers of alternating charge, wherein decomposition of the thin film is characterized by degradation of at least a portion of the polyelectrolyte layers.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided which changes color or other indicia after significant immersion in water to indicate that the ball has been recovered from a water hazard and may not have predictable flight characteristics which may result in loss of carry and roll. In one embodiment, a microencapsulated dye layer is formed immediately below the final gloss coat, with controlled dye release causing a stained look to the ball after significant immersion in water. In another embodiment, the dye or ink is provided in pelletized form for ease of manufacture. In other embodiments, a dye, ink, or chemical is. compounded with other materials and introduced into or applied onto the golf ball's composite materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous form.