Size selectable nanoparticle assemblies with magnetic anisotropy tunable across the superparamagnetic to ferromagnetic range

Abstract

We present a novel approach for the preparation of magnetic nanoparticle clusters of controlled size and selectable magnetic anisotropy, which provides materials with properties selectable for biomedical applications and as components in magnetically responsive nanocomposites. The assembly process is based on a ligand desorption strategy and allows selection of nanoparticle size and temporal control over final cluster size. Detailed NMR analysis of the suspensions pinpoints the role of particle size in controlling the interparticle interactions, within the clusters, which effectively determine the anisotropy. Colloidal interaction modelling confirms this interpretation and provides a means to predict both colloidal stability and magnetic anisotropy.