Selecting for function: solution synthesis of magnetic nanopropellers

Nano Lett. 2013;13(11):5373-8. doi: 10.1021/nl402897x. Epub 2013 Oct 22.

Abstract

We show that we can select magnetically steerable nanopropellers from a set of carbon coated aggregates of magnetic nanoparticles using weak homogeneous rotating magnetic fields. The carbon coating can be functionalized, enabling a wide range of applications. Despite their arbitrary shape, all nanostructures propel parallel to the vector of rotation of the magnetic field. We use a simple theoretical model to find experimental conditions to select nanopropellers which are predominantly smaller than previously published ones.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't