Ferromagnetic nanowires have attracted much interest and are widely used across different disciplines, including biology and medicine. In preliminary experiments, ferromagnetic nanoparticles and -wires have proven to be highly efficient for manipulating nano- and micro-scale objects. Recently it has been shown that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be filled during growth with pure metals and alloys simply by varying catalyst concentration. The carbon coating prevents nanowire oxidation making them easy to handle.
This project is aimed at the production of metal-filled carbon nanotubes, their structural characterisation using state-of the art analytical electron microscopy. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with Professor Toru Maekawa (Bio-Nano Electronics Research Centre, Toyo University, Japan). The candidate will have the opportunity to interact with researchers based at the Bio-Nano Electronic Research Centre and will be participating at the 21st Century's Centre of Excellence Programme on Bioscience and Nanotechnology.
