From Molecular Precursor to Imogolite Nanotubes
Abstract
Imogolite is not available in large quantities from natural deposits, and its extraction requires several purification steps. Even though some research studies still use purified natural imogolite, most research activities and actual industrial applications use synthetic imogolite, which has been available since it was devised by Farmer et al. (1977). The various synthesis pathways and the current understanding of the imogolite formation mechanism are reviewed in this chapter.