Metal-incorporated Langmuir Monolayers and Langmuir-Blodgett Films

The electrostatic binding and metal coordination between metal ions and Langmuir monolayers or LB films are discussed, and their effects on the monolayer 2D structure and related phase behavior are analyzed. The interfacial recognition and sensing for metal ions by Langmuir monolayers are also shown. Langmuir monolayers and LB films as 2D template to induce the 2D-oriented crystal growth via metal/monolayer binding is especially demonstrated. The abnormal catalytic characteristics, the functions and devices of metal-incorporated Langmuir monolayers and LB films are displayed by some examples. The review also shows the application of metal-chelating lipid monolayers on the interfacial study of bio-macromolecules. The review suggests the great roles of metal/monolayer binding in alternating monolayer structures and the assembly of functional metal complexes.