A polyelectrolyte–surfactant complex as support layer for membrane functionalization

A polyelectrolyte–surfactant complex, polyallylamine–dodecylsulfate system, is presented as an alternative method for the modification of membranes. Due its chemical structure, the complex, once casted on a surface, is highly stable in aqueous solutions. This allows modifying with the same method different types of membranes, exemplified here by alumina and polycarbonate. Using different strategies, the complex system can also incorporate other elements useful for catalysis, biorecognition, or separation. Two applications are presented: the incorporation of gold nanoparticles to catalyze the reduction of 4-nitrophenol using a polycarbonate membrane, and the modification of alumina with a biotin derivative for the recognition of avidin in label-free sensors.

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► Polyallylamine–dodecylsulfate complexes form stable layers to modify membranes.
► They can be applied on any surface. Alumina and polycarbonate are given as examples.
► The complex can be modified. Introduction of AuNPs and polyacrylate is shown.
► Applications are exemplified: catalytic process and molecular recognition.