High conducting multilayer films from poly(sodium styrenesulfonate) and graphite nanoplatelets by layer-by-layer self-assembly

Exfoliated graphite (G) nanoplatelet was modified with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C16TAB) and was constructed as multilayer films by electrostatic self-assembly. A [poly(sodium styrenesulfonate)/graphite]n (PSS/G)n multilayer film was self-assembled by alternate adsorption of polyanionic PSS and cationic graphite nanoplatelets G. An uniform deposition process was detected by UV–vis absorption spectra. The (PSS/G)n multilayer film exhibits an excellent electrical conductivity in the range of 50–200 S cm−1, when bilayer number (n) exceeds a threshold value four, the conductivity of the multilayer film increases dramatically. Cyclic voltammogram measurement reveals that the (PSS/G)n film with more bilayer has small charge-transfer resistance and high electrocatalytic activity.