Complex clover cross-sectioned nanotubules exist in the structure of the first uranium borate phosphate.

An actinide borate phosphate was prepared via a high temperature solid-state reaction. This phase exhibits unprecedented complex inorganic nanotubular fragments with an external diameter of ~2 × 2 nm. The nanotubular aggregates are based on borate tubes where the exterior of the tubes is decorated with UO(2)(PO(4))(3) moieties to form a complex shape with a cross-section similar to the clover cross. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012