Langmuir Film Polymerization of 1,22-Bis(2-aminophenyl)docosane: A Two-Dimensional Cross-linked Polyalkylaniline

Ultrathin films have been proposed for many applications such as in nonlinear optical and electroluminescent devices and sensors. However, most applications require the films to be mechanically, thermally, and chemically stable under environmental conditions, which is often difficult to achieve. Polymeric systems are usually more stable than low molar mass analogues due to covalent bonding in the film plane and are often preferred. Further, network polymers in 3-dimensions are generally more stable to thermal and physical stress than their non-cross-linked counterparts, and therefore, free-standing monolayers of this type should also have improved stability. Though the potential for these types of films is great, there are few published reports that deal with Langmuir films that form 2-dimensional network polymers. Self-assembled organic monolayers on solid substrates show some of these characteristics, but require specific substrates and therefore cannot be a general method to produce stable, freestanding films.