A facile method of generating aluminosilicate nanoparticles: Complete fragmentation of kaolinite nanoscrolls via manual grinding

Aluminosilicate nanoparticles were prepared by the complete breakdown of the tube walls of kaolinite nanoscrolls by manual grinding. Transmission electron microscopy observation of the product showed a lack of the original hollow cylindrical morphology together with the formation of nanoparticles Hysteresis over the relative pressure range of 0.50–0.95 was present in the nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm of kaolinite nanoscroll but not in that of ground product. These results indicate the successful formation of kaolinite nanoparticles using a simple grinding method. Kaolinite nanoparticles were successfully prepared based on the complete fragmentation of the tube walls of kaolinite nanoscrolls by manual grinding [Display omitted] •A simple mechanical grinding was applied for an inorganic nanoscroll.•Kaolinite, a naturally abundant clay mineral, was used for the nanoscroll precursor being broken.•Localized and whole characteristics revealed the complete fragmentation of kaolinite nanoscrolls.•Kaolinite nanoparticles were prepared by manual grinding of kaolinite nanoscrolls.