Polysaccharide Thin Films – Preparation and Analysis

This chapter aims at giving an overview on the preparation and characterization of polysaccharide thin films, with the main focus on cellulose. The chapter covers different types of precursors on molecular and material level and includes preparation of amorphous, ordered, and crystalline thin films. Common analytical techniques are explained, and examples are discussed in the context of cellulose thin films. Additionally, techniques aiming at studying the interfacial properties of such thin films are presented, including surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation.