DOE OSTI · 3009179
Tuning Molecular Interactions between Peptoids and Substrates to Achieve Surface-Agnostic Coating
Abstract
Achieving programmable and robust coatings that maintain functionality while adhering to various surface types with molecular-level tunability and programmable features remains challenging. In this study, we develop adaptable and stable surface-agnostic coatings (SACs) based on crystalline peptoid membranes by tuning interpeptoid and peptoid-substrate interactions. We utilize two complementary methods: (1) surfaceinduced assembly, where peptoid membranes form directly on substrates, and (2) depositing preformed peptoid crystalline membranes via an aqueous layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique. These strategies are applied to substrates with diverse surface chemistries and topographies, including mica, highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), MoS 2 , sapphire, and porous membranes like porous alumina and polysulfide. Atomic force microscopy confirms the formation of peptoid coatings and reveals differences in assembly behavior across surfaces. Moisture vapor transport measurements serve as a proof-of-concept test for membrane continuity and tunable permeance. Together, these findings demonstrate the adaptability and programmability of peptoid-based SACs, enabling rational coating design on surfaces with diverse chemical and topographical features. Furthermore, this work opens pathways for using peptoid membranes as programmable surface modifiers in functional interfaces, protective coatings, and membrane platforms.
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Zhou, Wenhao [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); University of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States)], Hao, Botao [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)], Trinh, Thi Kim Hoang [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000299065896), Lin, Zhiwei [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)], Heble, Annie Y. [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000176165547), Chen, Jiajun [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); University of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States)], De Yoreo, James J. [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); University of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States)] (ORCID:000000029541733X), Liu, Jian [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000153297408), Chen, Chun-Long [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); University of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States)] (ORCID:000000025584824X), Zhang, Shuai [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); University of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000301706470). 2025-11-24. Tuning Molecular Interactions between Peptoids and Substrates to Achieve Surface-Agnostic Coating. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.5c18457
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