Layer-by-layer self-assembled multilayer of cationic spiroxazine and polystyrenesulfonate

Novel spiroxazine (SO) bearing two positive charges has been synthesized via an improved synthetic route. Alternate multilayer films of an SO and anionic polystyrenesulfonate (PSS) are prepared by self-assembly based on layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition using electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. The build up of the multilayer films is followed by UV–vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Photoinduced ionic conductivity response and salt effect of SO/PSS multilayer have been also studied.