  Hollow cylinders with a diameter in the nanometer range are carving out prime
positions in nanoscience. Thanks to their physico-chemical properties, they
could be key elements for next-generation nanofluidics devices, for selective
molecular sieving, energy conversion or as catalytic nanoreactors. Several
difficult problems such as fine diameter and interface control are solved for
imogolite nanotubes. This chapter will present an overview of this unique class
of clay nanotubes, from their geological occurrence to their synthesis and
their applications. In particular, emphasis will be put on providing an
up-to-date description of their structure and properties, their synthesis and
the strategies developed to modify their interfaces in a controlled manner.
Developments on their applications, in particular for polymer/imogolite
nanotubes composites, molecular confinement or catalysis, are presented.
