In situ observation of the initial adsorption process of layer-by-layer sequential adsorbed polyelectrolyte film using an AFM

In this study, we demonstrate the first observation results of the initial adsorption processes of polyelectrolytes to the substrate in solution by in situ observation using an AFM. The adsorption form of polyelectrolytes was changed by solution pH. It was found that the surface structure was controlled by adsorbing time of polyelectrolytes and strongly affected by both the previously formed under layer and the solution pH.