In situ STM investigation of two-dimensional chiral assemblies through Schiff-base condensation at a liquid/solid interface

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2013 Mar 13;5(5):1583-7. doi: 10.1021/am303236w. Epub 2013 Feb 19.

Abstract

Nanoscaled two-dimensional (2D) chiral architectures are increasingly receiving scientific interest, because of their potential applications in many domains. In this paper, we present a new method for constructing 2D chiral architectures on surface. Based on in situ Schiff-base reaction of achiral dialdehyde with two types of achiral amines at the solid/liquid interface, two chiral species have been directly formed and confirmed by means of a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) technique. This work introduces a novel strategy to construct 2D surface chirality, which might be applied in fabricating functional films and nanoelectronic devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aldehydes / chemistry
  • Amines / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Scanning Tunneling
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis*
  • Polymers / chemistry

Substances

  • Aldehydes
  • Amines
  • Polymers