Diameter-selective dispersion of carbon nanotubes by β-lactoglobulin whey protein

The beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) protein was discovered to be an efficient and selective dispersant for carbon nanotubes (CTNs) with certain diameters. A dispersion process of CTNs by the beta-LG was studied, focusing on the relationships between the surface curvature of the CNT and the beta-LG's efficiency in dispersing them, using cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and optical spectroscopy. Plausible binding sites of the beta-LG, responsible for the interaction of the protein with CNTs of various diameters (surface curvatures) were also investigated and were found to be in good agreement with corresponding docking calculations. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.