Structural distinction due to deposition method in ultrathin films of cellulose nanofibres

This research explores fundamental, structural differences of ultrathin films, prepared with three distinct deposition methods using 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-oxyl radical oxidized cellulose nanofibres (TEMPO-CNFs) derived from never dried bleached birch pulp. There is standard characterization by atomic force microscopy (morphology, roughness) and ellipsometry (thickness) and important structural data is gained by exposing the films to water vapor and monitoring the vapor uptake with quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Significant distinctions were found from QCM data that could be linked to the structure of the films, originating from the three deposition methods: adsorption, spin coating and electrophoretic deposition. Moreover, the results shown here have potential implications for various types of films that comprise of amphiphilic nanomaterials that have a distinct response to moisture or aqueous based solutions.