Formation and Growth Mechanisms of Imogolite-Like Aluminogermanate Nanotubes

• DOI: 10.1021/cm902883p
• Publication Date: 2010-03-25T16:25:18Z
• Authors: C. Levard; J. Rose; A. Thill; A. Masion; E. Doelsch; P. Maillet; O. Spalla; L. Olivi; A. Cognigni; F. Ziarelli; J.-Y. Bottero
• Keywords: Imogolite; Small-angle X-ray scattering; X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The growth mechanisms of imogolite-like aluminogermanate nanotubes have been examined at various stages their formation. accurate determination the nucleation stage was using a combination local- (XAS Ge−K edge and 27Al NMR) semilocal scale technique (in situ SAXS). For first time, model is proposed for precursors nanotubular structure consist in rooftile-shaped particles, up to 5 nm size, with ca. 26% Ge vacancies varying curvatures. These assemble form short nanotubes/nanorings observed during aging process. final products are most probably obtained by an edge−edge assembly these nanotube segments.