Surface confined self-assembly of polyampholytes generated from charge-shifting polymers.

Polyampholyte-based films can be efficiently self-assembled onto a surface in a one-pot manner. By using a gradient of protons, morphogens, generated at an electrode surface, a charge-shifting polyelectrolyte present in solution can be transformed into a polyampholyte, leading to the continuous buildup of a film based on polyelectrolyte complexation.