A method for making a layered material can include providing a substrate having a surface with at least one region having a charge and forming layers by sequentially contacting the at least one region with a first solution and a second solution. The first solution comprises a first layering material in an ionic liquid and the second solution comprises a second layering material in a second ionic solution. The first and second layering materials can have a chemical affinity to each other. The first layering material and/or the second layering material can include polyelectrolytes, polymers, carbon nanotubes, or combinations thereof.