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Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
Published on: April 22, 2016
Temperature- and field-induced structural transitions in magnetic colloidal clusters
1Departamento de Física and IUdEA, Universidad de La Laguna, 38205, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
Abstract:
Magnetic colloidal clusters can form chain, ring, and more compact structures depending on their size. In the present investigation we examine the combined effects of temperature and external magnetic field on these configurations by means of extensive Monte Carlo simulations and a dedicated analysis based on inherent structures. Various thermodynamical, geometric, and magnetic properties are calculated and altogether provide evidence for possibly multiple structural transitions at low external magnetic field. Temperature effects are found to overcome the ordering effect of the external field, the melted stated being associated with low magnetization and a greater compactness. Tentative phase diagrams are proposed for selected sizes.
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