Electrochemistry of Layer-by-Layer Films: a review

The use of nanostructured films to modify electrochemical electrodes has allowed a whole host of new systems/devices to be fabricated, with properties that may be tuned upon synergistic interactions between the film components. Films produced with the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique, in particular, have opened up the way for new approaches in electrochomism, electrocatalysis, bioelectrochemistry and electroanalysis, for organic and inorganic-organic hybrid nanoarchitectures may be achieved. In addition to the fabrication of novel, optimized materials, with the LbL method fundamental processes such as charge transfer mechanisms involving biomolecules and nanoparticles can be investigated at the molecular level. In this paper we highlight the recent trends in the electrochemistry of LbL films, with emphasis on their promising technological applications in sensing/biosensing and electrochromic devices.