Regulation of molecular orientation of imogolite using honeycomb-patterned cellulose film as a template

In this study, we tried to fabricate a unique nano/micro structure of imogolite on a honeycomb-patterned cellulose film template which is expected to induce the molecular orientation of this inorganic polymer. We employed two deferent methods to regulate deposition of imogolite on the honeycomb-patterned cellulose film scaffold. At first, imogolite molecules were dispersed onto the honeycomb-patterned cellulose film template. Secondly, the honeycomb-patterned cellulose film was used as a platform for the synthesis of imogolite. The obtained two kinds of imogolite/ honeycomb-patterned cellulose composites were analyzed using atomic force microscopy. As a result, the honeycomb cellulose substrate proved to regulate the ordered assembly of imogolite molecules.