Morphology of adsorption anionic polyelectrolytes to mica substrate in different environment visualized by atomic force microscopy

• Published in: Colloids and surfaces. A, Physicochemical and engineering aspects Vol. 252; no. 2; pp. 153 - 156
• Main Authors: Zhao, Feng, Du, Yu-Kou, Tang, Ji’an, Li, Xing-Chang, Yang, Ping
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 20.01.2005; Elsevier
• Subjects: Atomic force microscopy (AFM); Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; HAPM molecules; Morphology; Network-to-globule conformational; Solid-liquid interface; Surface physical chemistry; HAPM molecules; Atomic force microscopy (AFM); Morphology; Network-to-globule conformational; Polyelectrolyte; Substrate; Atomic force microscopy; Liquid solid adsorption; Aqueous solution; Mica
• ISSN: 0927-7757; 1873-4359
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2004.09.030

We have observed the morphology of an anionic polyelectrolyte (partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide) (HPAM) adsorbed to mica surface in different environment using atomic force microscopy with molecular resolution. HPAM molecules deposited on the mica surface from aqueous solution at natural pH were observed to form a nanostructured network. However, the nanostructured network-to-globule conformational transition on mica can be directly visualized when the mica substrate with the predeposited HAPM molecules was immersed into chloroform. Meanwhile, necklace-like globule conformation on mica can be obtained in the presence of NaCl.