Nanoscrolls have applications ranging from technology to catalysis. Techniques like SEM and TEM are typically required to analyze the surface structures of nanoscrolls. Clay minerals are layered structures that can form as platelets or scrolls. The morphology of clay minerals influences the properties of the material - talc and asbestos are such an example.  Understanding the surface structure of these minerals are key to understanding the properties of the materials. Surface specific spectroscopy techniques such as vibrational Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) spectroscopy can be applied to understand the structure of clay nanoscrolls. Vibrational SFG identified four unique hydroxyl features in the clay mineral nickel phyllosilicate. Orientational analysis of the hydroxyls determined that 140 - 164 degrees of the scroll is uncompensated. These results demonstrate the vibrational SFG spectroscopy can provide unique information about the surfaces of nanoscrolls.

Vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy of clay nanoscrolls

ACS Fall 2021

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