Imogolite nanotubes (INT) with the general formula (OH)3Al2O3SixGe1-x(OH) are formed by a curved gibbsite Al(OH)3 layer whose vacancies are bonded at the upright by isolated [(OH)Si(Ge)O3] tetrahedral units on the internal surface, forming aluminosilicate Si(Ge)-INT nanotubes. Functionality of the inner surface of the INT by soft chemistry provides them of hydrophobic (OH)3Al2O3SixGe1-x(OH) or hydrophylic (OH)3Al2O3SixGe1-x(CH3) properties and monodispersity makes INT good candidates for storage of water or other molecules or as filters