Chirality engineering in 2D TMDCs via helicene functionalization: a route to high-performance chiroptical devices

This project aims to develop novel chiral 2D materials by functionalizing transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) flakes with helicene molecules. By combining the intense chiroptical response of helicenes with the excellent photoluminescence and electronic properties of TMDCs, the project aims to induce and optimise circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) in otherwise achiral 2D systems. Using both covalent and non-covalent functionalization strategies, the structure-property relationships governing chirality transfer will be systematically investigated. The outcome is expected to pave the way for high-performance chiral devices with applications in advanced optoelectronics, such as CP-OLEDs and chiral photodetectors, while also providing important insights into the fundamental mechanisms of chirality in nanomaterials.