Second Harmonic Scattering (SHS) is a suitable technique to investigate the orientational correlations between molecules. This article explores the organization of different dye molecules adsorbed within the hydrophobic porosity of a hybrid organic-inorganic nanotube. Experimental polarization resolved SHS measurements highlight different orientational orders ranking from highly ordered and rigid organizations to disordered assemblies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPowdered samples of three imogolite materials with an inner surface covered with Si-CH groups (hybrid IMO-CH) were prepared by ambient drying at 323 K, freeze drying, and spray drying. Reliable estimates of the intra-tube (), inter-tube (), and inter-bundle () specific surface areas of these samples were inferred from a model-guided correlation between the results of measurements by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), nitrogen gas adsorption, and immersion calorimetry into water. Since the SAXS studies indicated no significant deformations of IMO-CH nanotubes upon drying, further studies by gaseous N adsorption at 77 K indicated the intra-tube and inter-bundle specific surface areas as being only accessible to this adsorbate.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWorldwide, insects are declining at an alarming rate. Among other causes, the use of pesticides and modern agricultural practices play a major role in this. Cumulative effects of multiple low-dose toxins and the distribution of toxicants in nature have only started to be investigated in a methodical way.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis article explores the organization and interactions of Disperse Orange 3 (DO3) hydrophobic dye molecules within hybrid organic-inorganic imogolite nanotubes. In pure water, the DO3 dye molecules self assemble into large insoluble 2D nanosheets whose structure is also explored by molecular dynamics simulations. The dye molecules are however efficiently solubilized in the presence of hybrid imogolite nanotubes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHypothesis: In the field of Pickering emulsion, original inside/ouside Janus clays nanoparticles are investigated for their emulsification properties. Imogolite is a tubular nanomineral of the clay family having both inner and outer hydrophilic surfaces. A Janus version of this nanomineral with an inner surface fully covered by methyl groups can be obtained directly by synthesis (Imo-CH, hybrid imogolite).
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