title: Synthesis of Ge-imogolite: influence of the hydrolysis ratio on the structure of the nanotubes.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: CEREGE, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IRD, Collège de France, Europôle Méditerranéen de L'Arbois, BP 80, 13545 Aix-en-Provence, France.
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authors.lastname: Levard
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authors.lastname: Rose
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authors.lastname: Doelsch
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authors.lastname: Borschneck
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authors.lastname: Olivi
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authors.lastname: Chaurand
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authors.lastname: Thill
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authors.lastname: Maillet
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authors.lastname: Bottero