Protein Dispersant Binding on Nanotubes Studied by NMR Self-Diffusion and Cryo-TEM Techniques

Carbon nanotubes can be dispersed by a variety of molecules. We investigate the dynamics of protein-assisted carbon nanotube dispersion in water. We find that in equilibrium only a small fraction of the dispersants is indeed adsorbed to the nanotube Surface, while there is a fast exchange process between the adsorbed and free protein molecules. Self-diffusion NMR spectroscopy in combination with cryo-transmission electron microscopy imaging are employed.