CHIral symmetry breaking from Surface to Bulk: a multidisciplinary approach of the crystallization of achiral and chiral molecules (CHISUB).

CHISUB features a multidisciplinary approach, towards crystallization mechanisms of molecules, which uses chiral symmetry breaking as local probe of ordering phenomena and as a tool for enantiomeric separation. Crystallization often starts on surfaces of rigid substrates with the formation of 2D self-assembled molecular layers and then extends to bulk phases. CHISUB intends to design, synthesize, and characterize a library of molecular systems tailored to break chiral symmetry at different time- and length-scales. These systems will be studied by scanning probe microscopy at 2D and by electron microscopy and diffraction techniques when extending to 3D. Chiral symmetry breaking towards specific handedness will be directed by external stimuli, such as a combination of electric and magnetic fields, spin polarization, and even rotation of molecular machines. Theoretical and experimental studies will be carried out in synergy to explore ordering phenomena and chiral selectivity processes from first principles and reach a fundamental understanding beyond specific systems.

Keywords:ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (QUANTITATIVE)

Disciplines:Structural analysis

Project type:Collaboration project