Synthesis of Ge-imogolite: influence of the hydrolysis ratio on the structure of the nanotubes

• Published in: Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP Vol. 13; no. 32; pp. 14516 - 14522
• Main Authors: LEVARD, C, MASION, A, MAILLET, P, BOTTERO, J. Y, ROSE, J, DOELSCH, E, BORSCHNECK, D, OLIVI, L, CHAURAND, P, DOMINICI, C, ZIARELLI, F, THILL, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 01.01.2011
• Subjects: Chemistry; Crystallinity; Environmental Sciences; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Germanium; Hydrolysis; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Nanotubes; Synthesis; Stabilization; Nanotube; Suspension; Aluminium; Crystallinity; Potential; Base; Characterization; Hydrolysis; Synthesis; Heating; Defect; Germanium; Monomer; Structure
• ISSN: 1463-9076; 1463-9084
• DOI: 10.1039/c1cp20346k

The synthesis protocol for Ge-imogolite (aluminogermanate nanotubes) consists of 3 main steps: base hydrolysis of a solution of aluminum and germanium monomers, stabilization of the suspension and heating at 95 °C. The successful synthesis of these nanotubes was found to be sensitive to the hydrolysis step. The impact of the hydrolysis ratio (from n(OH)/n(Al) = 0.5 to 3) on the final product structure was examined using a combination of characterization tools. Thus, key hydrolysis ratios were identified: n(OH)/n(Al) = 1.5 for the formation of nanotubes with structural defects, n(OH)/n(Al) = 2 for the synthesis of a well crystallized Ge imogolite and n(OH)/n(Al) > 2.5 where nanotube formation is hindered. The capability of controlling the degree of the nanotube's crystallinity opens up interesting opportunities in regard to new potential applications.