Thin layer chromatography plates and related methods

A method for manufacturing a thin layer chromatography plate, the method comprising:

• forming a catalyst layer disposed on a substrate that includes a first portion and at least a second portion, each of the first and at least a second portions exhibiting a selected non-linear configuration;
• forming a layer of elongated nanostructures on the first and at least a second portions of the catalyst layer, wherein the layer of elongated nanostructures includes a first portion grown on the first portion of the catalyst layer and at least a second portion grown on the at least a second portion of the catalyst layer;
• at least partially coating the elongated nanostructures with a coating, the coating including at least one of a stationary phase or a precursor of a stationary phase for use in chromatography;
• after the act of at least partially coating the elongated nanostructures with a coating, at least partially removing the elongated nanostructures;
• and
• exposing the coating to an acid in order to bond hydroxyl groups to the coating.