Fundamentals of Low Dimensional Magnets

A comprehensive review of ferromagnetic nanomaterials, covering theories, structure-property relations, and methods for inducing and tuning ferromagnetism for spintronic devices, with implications for energy efficiency and high storage capacity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 370 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Ferromagnetic Nanomaterials: Unveiling Theories and Structure-Property Relations

Ferromagnetic nanomaterials, a captivating realm of scientific exploration, delve into the intricate interplay between their structural characteristics and magnetic properties. These tiny materials, characterized by their exceptional size-dependent effects, hold immense potential for revolutionizing various fields, including spintronic devices. In this comprehensive review, we shall explore the cutting-edge techniques employed to induce and tune ferromagnetism in nanomaterials, paving the way for the development of energy-efficient and high-storage capacity devices.

The theoretical foundations of ferromagnetism, rooted in quantum mechanics, provide a deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms that govern the behavior of these materials. Researchers have extensively studied the spin-orbit interaction, exchange coupling, and magnetic anisotropy, among other factors, to unravel the secrets of their magnetic properties. By manipulating these parameters, scientists have been able to engineer nanomaterials with tailored magnetic characteristics, enabling them to achieve desired functionalities in electronic and magnetic applications.

One of the key approaches used to induce ferromagnetism in nanomaterials is the introduction of magnetic impurities or defects. These impurities, such as iron, cobalt, or nickel, introduce spin-polarization into the material, resulting in the formation of magnetic domains. The precise control of the concentration, size, and distribution of these impurities allows for the tuning of the magnetic properties, enabling the development of materials with specific magnetic behaviors.

Furthermore, the synthesis of nanomaterials with complex structures, such as nanowires, nanotubes, and graphene, has opened up new avenues for tuning ferromagnetism. These materials exhibit unique magnetic properties due to their reduced dimensionality and surface-to-volume ratio, which can be further enhanced by manipulating their chemical composition, structure, and surface properties. For instance, graphene, a two-dimensional carbon allotrope, possesses exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, making it an ideal candidate for spintronic devices.

In addition to inducing and tuning ferromagnetism, researchers have also explored the use of external fields, such as electric currents, magnetic fields, and light, to manipulate the magnetic properties of nanomaterials. These techniques, known as magnetoelectric effects, offer the potential for developing novel energy-harvesting devices, magnetic sensors, and memory devices.

The advancements in ferromagnetic nanomaterials have significant implications for various industries, including electronics, energy, and healthcare. For instance, magnetic sensors based on nanomaterials can detect and measure magnetic fields with high sensitivity and precision, enabling the development of advanced medical imaging systems. Moreover, magnetic storage devices based on nanomaterials can offer high storage capacities, fast data transfer rates, and long-term reliability, making them essential for the storage of large amounts of data.

However, despite the remarkable progress made in ferromagnetic nanomaterials, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One of the major challenges is the scalability of these materials, as the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials with complex structures can be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, the stability and durability of these materials in harsh environments, such as high temperatures and magnetic fields, remain a concern.

To overcome these challenges, researchers are actively exploring new materials, synthesis techniques, and characterization methods. For instance, the development of scalable synthesis methods, such as bottom-up approaches, can facilitate the large-scale production of ferromagnetic nanomaterials. Moreover, the integration of nanomaterials with other materials, such as polymers and metals, can enhance their stability and durability, making them suitable for real-world applications.

In conclusion, ferromagnetic nanomaterials represent a promising field of research with the potential to revolutionize various industries. By unraveling the theories and structure-property relations of these materials, scientists have been able to induce and tune ferromagnetism in nanomaterials, enabling the development of energy-efficient and high-storage capacity devices. The advancements in this field have significant implications for electronics, energy, and healthcare, and there is still a lot of room for further exploration and innovation. With continued research and development, ferromagnetic nanomaterials will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032048727