Non-covalent and covalent chiral functionalization of graphite

Surfaces can be a playground to study the chirality and the separation of enantiomers because of the additional constraints that a 2D environment introduces. These constraints enhance the expression of (supra)molecular chirality due to the reduced symmetry at the interface so that, not only chiral molecules, but also prochiral and achiral molecules can produce chiral superstructures. In the latter cases, however, in non-biased conditions, two coupled enantiomorphs usually cover the surface forming a racemic layer, and therefore an achiral surface. Nevertheless, in 2D systems, recognition processes based on non-covalent interactions could be used to separate enantiomorphs. This new approach could be an alternative in the resolution of racemic mixtures or a new base for sensors. A better understanding of the effects of different parameters on chiral selection processes is fundamental. Therefore, experiments under nanoconfinement conditions, created using a nanolithography protocol, will provide information on how shape and size of the confinement and the direction and speed of the nanolithography process influence the chirality and the chirality induction. Then, the effect of functionalized surfaces will be checked and robust surfaces will be created on the basis of chemical modifications. Once robust chiral surfaces are obtained, the use of modified graphitic materials as HPLC stationary phases in chiral separation experiments will be investigated.