Magnetic properties of superparamagnetic nanoparticles loaded into silicon nanotubes

In this work, the magnetic properties of silicon nanotubes (SiNTs) filled with Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles (NPs) are investigated. SiNTs with different wall thicknesses of 10 and 70 nm and an inner diameter of approximately 50 nm are prepared and filled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles of 4 and 10 nm in diameter. The infiltration process of the NPs into the tubes and dependence on the wall-thickness is described. Furthermore, data from magnetization measurements of the nanocomposite systems are analyzed in terms of iron oxide nanoparticle size dependence. Such biocompatible nanocomposites have potential merit in the field of magnetically guided drug delivery vehicles. PACS: 61.46.Fg; 62.23.Pq; 75.75.-c; 75.20.-g