Unprecedented control over the structure and dynamics of spread polyelectrolyte/surfactant films at the air/water interface

Polyelectrolyte/surfactant (P/S) adsorption layers have been studied for decades as a result of their many applications. Recently, we have exploited non-equilibrium effects to develop a methodology for forming trapped films by Marangoni spreading of P/S aggregates at the air/water interface. Indeed, we can now tune the formation of extended structures upon film compression by changing the aggregates used. This proposal has two objectives. First, to reveal for the first time the nature of tuneable extended structures in films at very high compression ratios in terms of changing area coverage, thickness and/or number of layers. Second, to resolve the structures formed as gold nanoparticles nucleate transport of material from extended structures to the surface monolayer during surface area dynamics. The aim is to gain novel and superior control over the dynamic 3D topography of P/S films.