Colloidal stability of halloysite clay nanotubes

Abstract

The colloidal stability of halloysite clay nanotubes dispersion is reviewed showing the strategy and the mechanism to obtain stable systems in water and apolar solvents. The selective modification of halloysite inner/outer surfaces can be achieved by exploiting electrostatic interactions. The adsorption of anionic surfactants onto the halloysite cavity allows generating inorganic cylindrical micelles that can be separated from the solvent. On the other hand, the functionalization of halloysite shell by positively charged surfactants drives to obtain stable water-in-oil emulsions. The interactions with ionic and nonionic polymers alters the dispersability of halloysite due to electrostatic and steric effects that are strongly dependent on the nanoarchitecture of the hybrid systems. Modified nanotubes by selective interactions lead to the formation of colloidal systems with tuneable surface properties and controlled colloidal stability adjusted to the solvent polarity. These dispersions are perspectives nanocarriers for substances such as antioxidants, biocides, drugs and corrosion inhibitors, to be released in response to external stimuli.