CHAPTER 6: Halloysite Based Smart Hybrid Nanomaterials for the Solubilization of Hydrophobic Compounds in Aqueous Media

In this work, we describe the preparation and the characterization of hybrids based on surfactant–halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The HNTs inner cavity selective surface modification generates inorganic micelles with a hydrophobic pocket and a cylindrical symmetry. The colloidal stability of surfactant–HNTs materials in water is reviewed showing the strategy and the mechanism to obtain stable dispersions in the low and the high concentration regime. The ability of these non-foaming surfactant to entrapping oils and gas is highlighted. Finally, the surfactant–HNTs hybrids possess biocompatibility features, are easy to separate and their preparation implies a low cost; they can be considered inorganic micelles suitable for industrial applications over a large scale.