Layer-by-Layer Technology for Electrochemical Devices

Herein are disclosed methods, and compositions produced using them, to assemble highly conducting, hydrolytically stable polymer electrolyte films from commercially-available, water-soluble polymers using layer-by-layer assembly technology. In certain embodiments, these films can be used for electrochemical device applications which require an ion-conducting material to operate. For example, the power efficiency of any electrochemical device with a solid polymer electrolyte layer can be increased by this technology by virtue of the low ionic resistance of these layer-by-layer assembled thin film electrolytes. Specifically, direct-methanol operated fuel cells (DMFCs) should benefit remarkably, as the described technology offers very high conductivity values at fully hydrated conditions with low fuel (methanol) crossover.