Data for: Nanoscale structural and morphological features of kaolinite nanoscrolls

In order to avoid structural disintegration of the highly electron beam-sensitive nanoscrolls, we used a low imaging current (70–240 e/A2); as a result, the acquisition of structure images was possible. In contrast to the triclinic symmetry of kaolinite, electron diffraction patterns suggest a hexagonal symmetry of exfoliated layers. Both HRTEM and STEM tomography show partially and completely rolled up layers, with the axis of curvature being parallel to either the a or b axes.

The nanoscrolls have a variable but larger basal spacing (from 0.76 to 0.90 nm) than the value in ordered kaolinite (0.72 nm). Their external diameters range from 22 to 75 nm, lengths from 218 to 2287 nm, aspect ratios from 5 to 74, and the scrolls have recognizable chirality. Crystallographic image processing of HRTEM structure images suggest that the tetrahedral sheet can be on either the outer or the inner sides of the nanoscrolls.

Molecular simulation results for the curled kaolinite layers are consistent in their details with the experimental observations, suggesting that the layers may roll up either way.