From the 2-dimensional unstable polyelectrolyte multilayer to the 3-dimensional stable dry polyelectrolyte capsules

Polystyrene–poly(acrylic acid)/poly(allylamine hydrochloride) polyelectrolyte multilayer was found to be instable and apt to reconstruct in the pure water. By depositing polystyrene–poly(acrylic acid)/poly(allylamine hydrochloride) multilayer on the polystyrene–poly(acrylic acid) hybrid CaCO3 templates, novel polyelectrolyte capsules could be prepared after the removal of the templates. The resultant capsules could keep their three-dimensional (3D) spherical shape after being dried at room temperature, dramatically different from the conventional polyelectrolyte capsules based on nonhybrid templates by layer-by-layer procedure. The instable polyelectrolyte multilayer, hybrid templates, and assembly cycles were demonstrated to be three indispensable factors responsible for the formation of this type of 3D stable capsules. The formation mechanism was also discussed in this study.

PS–PAA and PAH were deposited on the hybrid CaCO3 templates to form (PAH/PS–PAA)6 polyelectolyte multilayer via LbL technique. After the templates were removed, 3D stable PAH/PS–PAA capsules were obtained.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (166 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► PS–PAA/PAH multilayer was fabricated on the designed hybrid CaCO3 templates.
► 3D stable PE capsules were obtained.
► The capsules could keep 3D spherical shape after being dried at room temperature.
► The important factors for the formation of the novel capsules were investigated.