Surface-modified aluminogermanate nanotube by OPA: Synthesis and characterization

Abstract In this study, the surface of the synthesized short, single-walled aluminogermanate nanotube was modified by using an amphiphilic molecule, octadecylphosphonic acid (OPA). The synthetic products were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained evidences indicated that the alkyl chains of OPA were successfully absorbed on the surface of aluminogermanate nanotube. This modification is useful for applying the aluminogermanate nanotube to producing potential polymer nanocomposite.