A general approach to synthesis of nanoparticles with controlled morphologies and magnetic properties

We present a systematic approach to fabricate a variety of magnetic nanoparticles with desirable structure and controlled magnetic properties based on our studies of the process kinetics. The morphology of binary alloy particles is dependent on their bulk thermodynamics-for immiscible heterogeneous systems (Co-Au) core-shell structures are obtained while miscible systems (Fe-Pt) lead to alloy nanoparticles. The annealing effects on FePt nanoparticles show that the coercivity and magnetic anisotropy increase dramatically after annealing at temperatures above 650 degrees C. Studies of Co-Au core-shell structure show that the core is magnetic, but the Au shell does not significantly affect its magnetic properties. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.