Magnetically-driven selective synthesis of Au clusters on Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Abstract

A novel procedure to direct the local synthesis of gold clusters on Fe₃O₄ nanocrystals by means of alternating magnetic fields (AMFs) is demonstrated. This process allows growing gold selectively onto the heated magnetite surface, while keeping the synthesis solution comparatively cold. Sequential AMF cycles allowed fine-tuning the amount of gold on the magnetite surfaces.