Synthesis, characterization, and magnetic properties of dendrimer-encapsulated nickel nanoparticles containing <150 atoms

The synthesis and magnetic properties of Ni nanoparticles containing < 150 atoms are described. These materials are prepared in an organic solvent using hydrophobic dendrimers as templates, which results in a high degree of size monodispersity. The dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Magnetic ( SQUID) studies indicate that the particles are ferromagnetic at 5 K with magnetic saturations that vary depending upon the particle size.