The present study originally created a methodology for immobilizing polymeric nanoparticles on graphene oxide (GO) by chemical bonds, aiming at chiral functionalization of GO and simultaneously improving the dispersibility of polymer nanoparticles. To prepare the novel GO hybrids, GO was first prepared and alkynylated to form an actual comonomer (M GO ), in the presence of which acetylenic monomer (M 1 ) underwent emulsion polymerization in aqueous media with sodium dodecyl sulfate as emulsifier and (nbd)Rh + B − (C 6 H 5 ) 4 as catalyst. SEM and HRTEM images ascertained the formation of polymeric nanoparticles immobilized on GO (NP poly1 /GO). CD and UV−vis absorption spectra demonstrated the optical activity of NP poly1 /GO, originated from the chiral helical conformations adopted by the polymer chains constructing the nanoparticles. FT-IR, Raman, XPS, XRD, and TGA techniques were also utilized to characterize the GO hybrids. The as-obtained NP poly1 /GO was further used as a chiral additive to perform enantioselective crystallization of L-alanine from racemic alanine. L-Alanine was preferentially induced to crystallize rod-like crystals, according to SEM, CD, and XRD characterizations. The present study provides a versatile platform for preparing GO-derived functional materials, particularly novel chiral materials.

This paper reports a novel category of optically active magnetic microparticles (OAMMPs), which are exclusively constructed by helical polymer chains and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The resulting microparticles exhibit remarkable optical activity and magnetic property, according to circular dichroism (CD) and UV–vis spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry characterizations. Alkynyl-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles are employed as a comonomer to fabricate the microparticles. The OAMMPs are further used as a chiral additive to induce enantioselective crystallization of racemic alanine. l-Alanine is preferentially induced to crystallize, forming rod-like crystals, according to CD and scanning electron microscopy characterizations. Also remarkably, the particles possess rapid magnetic responsivity, making it possible to be recycled and reused. The initially induced crystals are further enantioselectively crystallized twice and thrice, and the enantiomeric excess can be increased to 90%. Recyclability of the particles is also clearly verified. The present study not only provides a novel type of advanced functional materials but also creates a “green” strategy for chiral resolution and purification.