Magnetic Force Microscopy for Nanoparticle Characterization

TL;DR

This paper reviews the application of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) in characterizing magnetic nanoparticles, especially superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, across different environments, highlighting its capabilities and recent advancements.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of MFM techniques for nanoparticle analysis, emphasizing recent developments and applications in various environments.

Findings

MFM effectively images magnetic nanoparticles in air and liquid.

MFM reveals magnetic properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.

Recent advancements enhance resolution and applicability of MFM in nanomaterial studies.

Abstract

Since the invention of the atomic force microscope (AFM) in 1986, there has been a drive to apply this scanning probe technique or a form of this technique to various disciplines in nanoscale science. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) is a member of a growing family of scanning probe methods and has been widely used for the study of magnetic materials. In MFM a magnetic probe is used to raster-scan the surface of the sample, of which its magnetic field interacts with the magnetic tip to offer insight into its magnetic properties. This review will focus on the use of MFM in relation to nanoparticle characterization, including superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, covering MFM imaging in air and in liquid environments.