Fabrication of silica nanotubes with an anisotropic functionality as a smart catalyst supporter

An anisotropic nanomaterial with different internal and external functionalities can serve as a versatile nanocarrier for smart nanocatalysts. Anisotropically functionalized silica nanotubes were prepared using a vapor phase synthesis (VPS) method with anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) as the hard template. The anisotropically functionalized silica nanotubes were used for the olefination of aryl iodide by embedded palladium nanoparticles and the highest olefination efficiency was 99%.