Synthesis and Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been the focus of an increasing amount of the recent literature, which has chronicled research into both the fabrication and applications of MNPs. The explosion of research in this area is driven by the extensive technological applications of MNPs which includes single-bit elements in high-density magnetic data storage arrays, magneto-optical switches, and novel photoluminescent materials. In biomedicine, MNPs serve as contrast enhancement agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, selective probes for bimolecular interactions, and cell sorters. Nanoparticles of magnetic metals are also finding applications as catalysts, nucleators for the growth of high-aspectratio nanomaterials, and toxic waste remediation. Methodologies for the synthesis of MNPs are being developed by scientists working in fields spanning Biology, Chemistry, and Materials Science. In the last decade, these efforts have provided access to nanoscale magnetic materials ranging from inorganic metal clusters to custom-built Single Molecule Magnets. The goal of this chapter is to provide broad overviews of both the applications of MNPs and the synthetic methodologies used in their production.1,2