A procedure for utilizing inkjet printing to deposit films of 50 nm diameter halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) with high degree of long-range alignment and controlled orientation is reported. The surface alignment was verified by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy. The �coffee ring� effect is invoked to explain the tube self-assembly in ordered structures. Various parameters to control directional self-assembly were examined including halloysite tube concentration, evaporation rate, the surface charge of the tubes, solvent pH, ionic strength and surface tension. Furthermore, by functionalizing the tubes with polyanions and anionic surfactants allowed for preparation of polymeric composites with drop casting method. These techniques have allowed for the design of new inorganic/organic nanostructures containing oriented nanotubes and the advantages of such a structure.

Alignment of halloysite nanotubes in composite polymeric films via controlled evaporation

247th National Meeting (2014)

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