Polyelectrolyte complex particle-based multifunctional freestanding films containing highly loaded bimetallic particles

A facile approach to the development of multifunctional freestanding films consisting of polyelectrolytes (PEs) and polyelectrolyte complexes (nPECs) with highly embedded metal nanoparticles (NPs) was demonstrated. The composite films (nPEC/PE) containing NPs exhibited controllable properties that can be exploited by varying the type and content of NPs with high loading density. The approach described here enables the facile fabrication of conducting and transparent freestanding films with tunable optical/electrical properties, color, and large lateral dimensions with minimal effort in terms of the number of layers and ease of operation.