Layer-by-layer assembly of a Ph-responsive and electrochromic thin film

With the prevalence of polymeric coatings in many common products, it is important for students in the areas of chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and related fields to be familiar with the various techniques used to make these thin films. Through the. experiments described here, students are able to explore an emerging method for preparing and characterizing a visible polymeric coating used as an electrochromic material. This experiment has been successfully integrated into an undergraduate polymer laboratory course; it is simple to execute and does not require expensive or sophisticated equipment. The results obtained by students were repeatable and consistent with those reported here. Students found this experiment interesting and exciting, given its visual appeal and its connection to cutting-edge research; multiple students have inquired about pursuing undergraduate research on LbL assembly following execution of this experiment in the laboratory class.