The surface functionalization of inorganic nanostructures is an effective approach for enriching the potential applications of existing\r\nnanomaterials. Inorganic nanotubes attract great research interest due to their one-dimensional structure and reactive surfaces.\r\nIn this review paper, recent developments in surface functionalization of an aluminosilicate nanotube, ââ?¬Å?imogoliteââ?¬Â, are introduced.\r\nThe functionalization processes are based on the robust affinity between phosphate groups of organic molecules and the\r\naluminol (AlOH) surface of imogolite nanotubes. An aqueous modification process employing a water soluble ammonium\r\nsalt of alkyl phosphate led to chemisorption of molecules on imogolite at the nanotube level. Polymer-chain-grafted imogolite\r\nnanotubes were prepared through surface-initiated polymerization. In addition, the assembly of conjugated molecules, 2-(5ââ?¬â?¢Ã¢â?¬â?¢-hexyl-\r\n2,2ââ?¬â?¢:5ââ?¬â?¢,2ââ?¬â?¢Ã¢â?¬â?¢-terthiophen-5-yl)ethylphosphonic acid (HT3P) and 2-(5ââ?¬â?¢Ã¢â?¬â?¢-hexyl-2,2ââ?¬â?¢:5ââ?¬â?¢,2ââ?¬â?¢Ã¢â?¬â?¢-terthiophen-5-yl)ethylphosphonic acid 1,1-\r\ndioxide (HT3OP), on the imogolite nanotube surface was achieved by introducing a phosphonic acid group to the corresponding\r\nmolecules. The optical and photophysical properties of these conjugated-molecule-decorated imogolite nanotubes were characterized.\r\nMoreover, poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) chains were further hybridized with HT3P modified imogolite to form a nanofiber\r\nhybrid.
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