MENCOFINAS

Magnetic Energy Conversion in Fine Nanoparticle Systems

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Magnetic energy conversion using nanoparticles is fundamental to many rapidly developing areas such as environment-friendly nanotechnologies or in biomedicine. Examples include the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MPs) in devices for magnetocaloric refrigeration or for heating in the hyperthermia treatment of cancer. Investing in these areas is imperative if the European Research Area and the European nanotechnologies industry it to gain a worldwide leadership. Essential are scientific developments and also professional training of researchers to provide them with skills in fundamental physics and applied technology aspects. The present proposal's aim in this direction is the career development of Dr. Hovorka combined with the enhancement of his scientific expertise in the field of MP systems. Despite their importance for applications, superparamagnetic and ferromagnetic MP mixtures have been poorly studied and, as a result, the effects of interactions and hysteresis on energy losses and heat generation can presently be analyzed only on the empirical level. The aim here is to develop a solid theoretical understanding of these issues by employing the state-of-the-art multi-scale and atomistic modeling approaches as well as large scale Monte-Carlo methods. The research will be carried out at the host University of York (UK) and benefit from the top-class computational research facilities and the long standing scientific and industrial experience of Prof. Chantrell, who is the world leading scientific contributor in the field. The inter-disciplinary expertise gained during the program as well as new perspectives gathered through the transnational mobility, will put Dr. Hovorka into an excellent position to build an entirely new research portfolio and to effectively interface with leading industry researchers and developers in the future. This will strengthen the European excellence and competitiveness in the research field of applied and fundamental nano-magnetism.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The unique magnetic properties of some very small particles have proved valuable in treating cancer. Elucidation of poorly understood thermodynamics should put the EU in the lead in a highly competitive race to new product development.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Nanomaterials have established their presence and value in numerous domains among which is magnetisation. With the increasing miniaturisation of magnetic structures, their thermal activation and thermodynamic behaviours are of increasing relevance. Temperature-induced instability or magnetisation switching can be undesirable for data storage devices. However, the use of an applied magnetic field to remotely induce local heating in cancerous tissue has proven to be quite beneficial.

EU-funded scientists explored the poorly characterised thermodynamic properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) through multi-scale, atomistic and large-scale Monte Carlo methods within the context of the project 'Magnetic energy conversion in fine nanoparticle systems' (MENCOFINAS).

Novel multi-scale modelling helped elucidate ultrafast magnetisation in complex materials, work that is currently in review for publication in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports (Nature). Large-scale Monte Carlo methods allowed scientists to identify magnetisation relaxation time scales and a difference between shortest and longest on the scale of decades. This provided important insight into heat generation methods. These results were presented at a number of international conferences and are currently being considered for publication in Physical Review Letters.

Scientists also worked on fundamental thermodynamics of MNP systems in collaboration with a globally leading hard disk drive manufacturer. Outcomes resulted in preparation of several papers, one of which has already been published.

Project results placed the EU at the forefront of MNP-based hyperthermia treatment for cancer and also pointed the way to several spin-offs or commercial joint ventures. Needless to say, the international standing of the associated researchers was greatly enhanced through their hard work and fruitful collaboration within the scope of MENCOFINAS.