Monodisperse Magnetic Nanoparticles: Chemical Synthesis and Surface Modification

Abstract

Abstract Magnetic nanoparticles, due to their prospective applications in data storage, drug delivery, hyperthermia, and magnetic resonance imaging, have attracted considerable attention in the past decade. From aqueous‐phase condensation to organic‐phase thermal decomposition, the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles has been greatly improved. Nowadays, one can readily synthesize monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles with controlled sizes, shapes, and magnetic properties. In this article, we first briefly describe the general synthesis of monodisperse nanoparticles, and then focus on the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles via thermal decomposition of metal precursors. The nanoparticles are grouped into ferrite, metallic, alloy, and multicomponent categories, and the mechanism for the formation of nanoparticles with critical parameters in determining size, shape, and multifunctionality is discussed. We further summarize the chemistry used for nanoparticle surface functionalization and briefly discuss the potential applications of these magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine.