The importance of Halloysite
 

The mineral takes the form of small hollow tubes, known as nanotubes. This shape gives it unique properties and a wide variety of industrial uses beyond the more common kaolinite, particularly in the emerging fields of batteries and nano-technology. This potential application of the natural halloysite nano-clay has been demonstrated by an all-solid-state lithium-sulfur battery over a wide temperature range of 25–100 °C. These results reveal the possibility of realizing sustainable high energy storage at a reduced cost.

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Halloysite’s tubular microstructure – naturally occurring hollow nanotubes that are imperceptible to the human eye — make halloysite a unique mineral with highly desirable properties. Features such as a high surface area to unit weight ratio, high porosity and differential charge capabilities between inner and outer surfaces have led researchers to discover its suitability in high-tech processes and end-uses such as carbon capture and conversion, hydrogen storage, water remediation and nanotechnology.