page_title: Iron–platinum nanoparticle
section_title: Properties
hierarchical_section_title: Iron–platinum nanoparticle / Properties
caption_attribution_description: English: Physical properties of FePt NPs
context_page_description: Iron–platinum nanoparticles are 3D superlattices composed of an approximately equal atomic ratio of Fe and Pt. Under standard conditions, FePt NPs exist in the face-centered cubic phase but can change to a chemically ordered face-centered tetragonal phase as a result of thermal annealing. Currently there are many synthetic methods such as water-in-oil microemulsion, one-step thermal synthesis with metal precursors, and exchanged-coupled assembly for making FePt NPs. An important property of FePt NPs is their superparamagnetic character below 10 nanometers. The superparamagnetism of FePt NPs has made them attractive candidates to be used as MRI/CT scanning agents and a high-density recording material.
context_section_description: The various properties of iron-platinum nanoparticles allow them to function in multiple ways. In standard conditions, FePt NPs exist in the face-centered cubic phase with a 3 to 10 nanometer diameter. However, once heat is added the structure becomes a face-centered tetragonal and superparamagnetic. The nanoparticles become superparamagnetic because the addition of heat makes the particle smaller and iron rich, since it removes any impurities in the particles. As a result, the nanoparticles are used in CT or MRI scans.
  Plant viruses, known as Cowpea mosaic virus and Tobacco mosaic virus, enlarge the average radius of the FePt NPs through direct mineralization. The virus template acts as a natural and benign method to monodisperse the nanoparticles up to 30 nanometers in diameter. The size increase of the bimetallic nanoparticles entitles it to a wider range of biological applications.
caption: Physical properties of FePt NPs
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