Magnetic nanoparticles: Synthesis, stabilization, functionalization, characterization, and applications

This review focuses on the synthesis, protection, functionalization, characterization and with some applications of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The review begins with an overview on magnetic property and single domain particles. The synthetic strategies developed for the generation of MNPs, with a focus on particle formation mechanism and recent modifications made on the synthesis of monodisperse samples of relatively large quantities are also discussed. Then, different methodologies for the protection and functionalization of the synthesized MNPs, together with the characterization techniques are explained. Finally, some of the recent industrial, biological, environmental and analyticals application of MNPs are briefly reviewed, and some future trends and perspectives in these research areas will be outlined.