MODIFICATION OF FUNCTIONAL GROUPS IN NANOTUBE SYNTHESIS

Over the past decade, kaolin-based nanotubes have once again become the focus of numerous studies and patents, even though their nanoscale structure was identified several decades ago [1]. This renewed interest is associated with the rapid development of nanoparticles and nanotechnology over the last twenty years, which has led to growing attention to naturally occurring nanostructures [2]. Kaolin nanotubes possess several advantages over synthetic nanotubes such as carbon nanotubes [3]. Although the purification of kaolin may increase the cost of secondary raw materials, kaolin remains a low-cost material with a global supply exceeding several thousand tons annually [4].