3. Magnetic Thin Film Materials: Magnetic Particles Synthesized by Thin Film Dewetting for Energy Applications

Metallic nanoparticle arrays which exhibit magnetic moments are a promising platform for the electrically and thermally conductive micro- and nanoscale structures. Real-world application fields include biomedical engineering, data storage, and nonlinear optics. In order to capitalize on major natural energy sources, such as solar and wind energies, efficient methods of energy storage must be developed. Recently, attention has been given to Latent Heat Storage (LHS) devices which utilize Phase Change Materials (PCMs) due to their low cost, low toxicity, and high engineering versatility, as candidates for efficient, cost-effective methods of thermal energy storage [1, 2]. One promising work to develop a LHS device utilizes parafin as a PCM and incorporates a matrix of magnetically susceptible, thermally conductive nanorod frameworks which are self-assembled under an externally applied magnetic field. The assembly process to create the matrix is well documented; however, the prohibitive cost of the magnetic pads, fabricated by lithography processes makes large-scale production impractical [3–6].