Magnetic-field directed self-assembly and chain formation of functional aerosol nanoparticles

Self-assembly of nanoparticles into vertical structures or larger ensembles can be a powerful method to achieve a strong collective behavior while still obtaining many of the same properties of the individual nanoparticles. In this study, we achieve directed self-assembly of magnetic nanoparticles into nanochains when depositing in a combined magnetic and electric field (M-ESP). We show that the Co nanoparticles are spontaneously magnetized in the aerosol phase, and that the role of the external magnetic field is mainly to guide the deposition in a certain direction.Lastly, we will present chain formation of mixed materials. Here, we combine a strong magnetic material, with other elements to achieve the same chain structure, but with a desired surface functionalization. Nanoparticle chains can therefore be formed with different functionalities, depending on the mixing material. This opens up for further combination to tune the functionalization of the nanoparticle chain structure. (Less)