Functional magnetic nanoparticle assemblies: formation, collective behavior, and future directions

This Perspective describes recent progress in the development of functional magnetic nanoparticle assemblies. After describing the formation of two- and three-dimensional particle arrays in terms of the size-dependent driving forces, we focus on magnetic nanoparticle arrays. We discuss how the self-organized structure can modify the magnetic behavior, relative to that of isolated particles. We highlight an important development, described in this issue of ACS Nano by Kostiainen and co-workers, who have demonstrated not only the novel aqueous self-assembly of magnetic particles but also controlled and reversible disassembly. Finally, we explore two inter-related future directions for self-assembly of magnetic nanoparticles: the formation of more complex, hierarchical structures and the integration of self-assembly with fabrication techniques for electronic devices.