Inorganic Nanotubes and Fullerene-like Nanoparticles at the Crossroads between Solid-State Chemistry and Nanotechnology

Abstract

Inorganic nanotubes (NTs) and fullerene-like nanoparticles (NPs) of WS were discovered some 25 years ago and are produced now on a commercial scale for various applications. This Perspective provides a brief description of recent progress in this scientific discipline. The conceptual evolution leading to the discovery of these NTs and NPs is briefly discussed. Subsequently, recent progress in the synthesis of such NPs from a variety of inorganic compounds with layered (2D) structure is described. In particular, we discuss the synthesis of NTs from chalcogenide- and oxide-based ternary misfit layered compounds, as well as their structure and different growth mechanisms. Next we deliberate on the mechanical, optical, electrical, and electromechanical properties, which delineate them from their bulk counterparts and also from their graphene-like analogues. Here, different experiments with individual NTs coupled with first-principles and molecular dynamics calculations demonstrate the unique physical nature of these quasi-1D nanostructures. Finally, the various applications of the fullerene-like NPs of WS and NTs formed therefrom are deliberated. Foremost among the possibilities are their extensive uses as superior solid lubricants. Combined with their nontoxicity and their facile dispersion, these NTs, with an ultimate strength of about 20 GPa, are likely to find numerous applications in reinforcing polymers, adhesives, textiles, medical devices, metallic alloys, and even concrete. Other potential applications in energy-harvesting and catalysis are discussed in brief.

Redistribution of Mg and Ni cations in crystal lattice of conical nanotube with chrysotile structure

“…This equation must be accompanied by constant composition condition (1). We can solve the system of (1) and (9) assuming x(l) is two-parametric, for example, linear function of l:…”

“…The unusual behavior and properties of substances in nanotubes and related composite materials have resulted in wide scientific and technological interest [1][2][3][4][5]. In addition to well-known carbon [6], nitride [7], and chalcogenide nanotubes [8], researchers, using different approaches, have obtained new representative structures, termed microand nanoscrolls [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

Synthetic Evolution of the Multifarene Cavity from Planar Predecessors

“…The landmark discovery of stable closed‐cage nanostructures derived from graphitic carbon sparked much interest in the origin of their stability. Kroto proposed that the large chemical energy stored in the rim atoms of small graphene sheets forces the carbon atoms to spontaneously reorganize into hollow‐cage structures, and Tenne has highlighted this general thermodynamic driving force in the formation of inorganic nanotubes and fullerene‐like nanoparticles …”

“…[6] The landmark discovery of stable closed-cage nanostructures derived from graphitic carbon [7] sparkedm uch interesti nt he origin of their stability.K roto proposed that the large chemical energys tored in the rim atoms of small graphene sheets forces the carbona toms to spontaneously reorganize into hollow-cage structures, [8] and Te nne has highlighted this general thermodynamic driving force in the formation of inorganic nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles. [9] In ab roader sense, new synthetic strategies for containershaped molecules, generally known as cavitands or synthetic receptors, are highly desired. Such compounds offer ap lethora of useful applicationsi nm ultiple fields, ranging from supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology to catalysis, surface chemistry,e nvironmental sciences, analytical methods and medicinal chemistry.…”

Two facile routes for functionalization of WS2 nanotubes with silver nanoparticles

“…A number of distinctive advantages of NT-WS 2 were reported. Contrary to CNT, disulfide nanotubes cannot be bent or entangled easily, therefore they are more easily dispersed in polymer blends and other matrices [19]. Individual NT-WS 2 's were also shown to be perfect torsional resonators with the highest quality factor (Q) and torsional resonant frequency in comparison to CNT and BN nanotubes [20].…”