Synthesis of copper–nickel nanoparticles prepared by mechanical milling for use in magnetic hyperthermia

Mechanical alloying of a mixture of copper and nickel powders has been applied for the preparation of copper–nickel alloy particles in the nanometer range. The particles were designed to be used for controlled magnetic hyperthermia applications. The milling conditions were optimized using the desired alloy composition. Utilizing a ball-to-powder mass ratio of 20, we could obtain a nanocrystalline Cu27.5Ni72.5 (at%) alloy with a crystallite size of around 10 nm and a Curie temperature of 45 °C.Thermal demagnetization in the vicinity of the Curie temperature of the nanoparticles was determined by thermomagnetic measurements using an adapted TGA–SDTA apparatus. The size and morphology of the particles were determined by XRD measurements and TEM analyses. The magnetic properties were also examined with a VSM. The magnetic heating effects were measured for the powdered material.

► CuxNi1−x nanoparticles were synthesized for magnetic hyperthermia applications.
► Generated heat can be controlled using nanoparticles with adaptable Curie temperature.
► Methodology for the synthesis and characterization of CuNi nanoparticles is reported.
► Structural properties, magnetic properties and temperature rises were investigated.