Assembly of supramolecular polymers in ultrathin films

This review presents a sketch of the current status and trends in the field of organized assemblies from supramolecular polymeric systems. Among various classes of polymeric systems used to fabricate organized films, we select supramolecular polymers able to self-organize or be organized in complicated superlattices in the bulk state and/or at an interface with low-dimensional ordering. We focus on the microstructural behavior in different classes of polymers and their abilities to form various organized superstructures at surfaces and interfaces. Among the supramolecular polymers discussed are: mesomorphic polymers with chromophore and non-linear optic fragments, chiral and amphotropic polymers, systems with hydrogen bonding and discotic compounds, hairy-rod and electroactive macromolecules, block-polymers and fullerene-based systems, dendritic and latex nanocomposites, organic-inorganic organized composites and biomolecular complexes. The variation of molecular shapes, architecture of polymer backbones and specific intermolecular interactions are very effective tools for tailoring supramolecular organization of these materials in ultrathin films. We discuss the merits of various fabrication techniques as applied to ultrathin organized films, such as Langmuir-Blodgett, self-assembly and forced solvent removal methods, as well as some characterization techniques. The physical properties of these films are discussed briefly with emphasis on optical, electric, transport, sensing and nanomechanical behavior. Finally, some thoughts about the future development in this field are presented. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.