Self-assembly of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles with Permanent Magnetization

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) exhibit superparamagnetism when thermal fluctuations overcome the potential barrier for spin reversal set by magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The magnetic moment in such a material oscillates between the easy axes leading to zero net magnetization. Stable colloidal dispersions of MNPs exploit this state to prevent agglomeration. Self-assembly of MNPs presents an excellent bottom up nanofabrication technique due to the wide range of structures that can be formed. A stable dispersion of MNPs is an essential starting point for good control of the process. In this study we explore the theoretical basis for a self-assembled MNP structure with permanent magnetization starting from a dispersion of superparamangetic MNPs. Magnetostatic coupling of dipole moments enhance the potential barrier for magnetization reversals. We use X-Ray microCT and TEM to visualize the self-assembled structures. We use a stochastic form of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation to simulate the magnetization dynamics in each MNP. Permanent magnetization in self-assembled structures generated \textit{in situ} promise several significant applications such as targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering and novel soft composites.