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

The β-lactoglobulin (β-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 β-LG was studied, focusing on the relationships between the surface curvature of the CNT and the β-LG's efficiency in dispersing them, using cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and optical spectroscopy. Plausible binding sites of the β-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.