Size-reduction induced ferromagnetism and photo-magnetic effects in azobenzene-thiol-passivated gold nanoparticles

We have observed size-reduction induced ferromagnetism and significant photo-magnetic effects in azobezene-thiol-modified gold nanoparticles. When the particle size was reduced to 1.7 nm, ferromagnetism even at room temperature was observed while diamagnetism was dominating with the particle size of 5.0 nm. Furthermore, reducing the particles size to 1.7 nm also gave rise to photo-magnetic properties because the decrease in particle size provided free volume between each of the azobenzene ligands. This photo-magnetic effect could be attributed to photo-induced changes in the values of d-charge losses due to the photoisomerization of azo-ligands, which were accompanied by the inversion of surface dipole values to the opposite sign.

We have observed size-reduction induced ferromagnetism and significant photo-magnetic effects in azobenzene-thiol-modified gold nanoparticles. This photo-magnetic effect could be attributed to photo-induced changes in the values of d-charge losses due to the photoisomerization of azo-ligands, which were accompanied by the inversion of surface dipole values to the opposite sign.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide