An ordered film is formed on a surface by reacting (a) dendrimer or bridging ligand functionalized for reaction with transition metal ions (e.g., terpyridyl-pendant poly-amido amine starburst dendrimers or 1,4-bis[4,4"-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2,2':6'2" terpyridine-4'-yl]benzene), dissolved in water immiscible solvent, with (b) transition metal ions dissolved in water, on said surface. This method allows formation of films useful, for example, as electron transfer mediators, other electronic devices, catalysts, sensors, and electrochromic devices.
