The focus of this research involves four specific aims. First, the fabrication of gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles of varying diameters will be carried out and the particles will be decorated with cationic monolayers using a place exchange method. Second, using dendrimers, the self-assembly of theses particles will be explored and the ordering and interparticle spacing of the resulting materials will be determined using Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS). Third, the bulk properties of the materials will be quantified using SQUID magnetometry. Fourth, patterned surfaces will be created using electron beam lithography and these patterns will be employed to template nanocomposite assembly. The resulting systems will be studied using magnetic force microscopy.
With this Nanoscale: Exploratory Research (NER) award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program and the Chemistry Office of Special Projects are supporting the research of Dr. Vincent M. Rotello of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Professor Rotello will focus his work on the use of nanoparticles for the production of well-defined magnetic materials. The interparticle distance of the materials will be controlled through self-assembly of superparamagnetic nanoparticles featuring cationic functionality using anionic dendrimers. In addition to the broader impact of the research in the materials area, the project presents an excellent site for the multidisciplinary training of graduate and undergraduate students.
