Optimizing the electrodeposition protocol of enantioselective inherently chiral electrode surfaces: a profilometry investigation

In our current research on enantioselective voltammetry on chiral electrodes based on electrodeposited enantiopure inherently chiral oligomer films, after achieving the first proof of concepts [1-5], we are currently concentrating on key issues such as optimizing the deposition protocol to enhance performances and improve reproducibility, as well as looking for interpretative/predictive guidelines concerning the observed enantioselection phenomena. To this aim we are carrying out inter alia a systematic profilometry investigation of chiral film surfaces electrodeposited from two different chiral monomers according to a carefully optimized protocol, studying the effect of key experimental parameters such as the underlying electrode support, the deposition medium, the potential scan rate and the deposition cycle number, also comparing films obtained from enantiopure monomers with racemate ones. The interesting results will be presented and discussed, also in connection with the electrode enantioselection performance. The support of Fondazione Cariplo/Regione Lombardia "Avviso congiunto per l’incremento dell’attrattività del sistema di ricerca lombardo e della competitività dei ricercatori candidati su strumenti ERC - edizione 2016” (Project 2016-0923) is gratefully acknowledged.