Nanomagnetism / Magnetic Hyperthermia
Our research focuses on the study of magnetic phenomena in nanostructured systems. We are particularly interested in the properties and behavior of magnetic nanoparticles, with an emphasis on biomedical applications such as magnetic hyperthermia, as well as other potential technological uses of these nanomaterials.
Research topics include:
- Hybrid nanoparticles: fundamentals and applications
- Nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia
- Application of nanoparticles in viscous fluids and flow systems
-
Kramers’ theory and interparticle interactions
Magnetic Oxides / Neuromorphic Computing
We investigate complex magnetic oxides with potential applications in neuromorphic computing. Our focus includes both bulk materials and thin films, particularly those exhibiting promising magnetic and electronic properties for integration into neuromorphic circuits.
We employ advanced techniques such as spin resonance and ferromagnetic resonance, measured as a function of temperature and voltage, alongside magnetization, electronic transport, and X-ray diffraction measurements.
Research topics include:
- Phase separation
- Griffiths phase
- Metal-insulator transitions
- Resistive switching
- Multiferroic properties
One of our main research directions involves studying how different types of stimuli — optical, magnetic, and electronic — influence the various degrees of freedom in these oxides, and how these interactions affect their functional properties.
Equipments
- Chemical Lab to sample Preparation with two chaples.
- X-Ray Diffractometer: Rigaku DMAX X-ray diffractometer operates at angles between 5 °and 110° and is capable of functioning within a temperature range from 25 K to 300 K.
- EPR: non-commercial X-band spectrometer (f = 9.14 GHz) with 2 mW power, with magnetic fields ranging from 0.5 to 8 kOe applied at a ramp rate of 80 Oe/s. The temperature was controlled within ±2 K and varied between 108 and 300 K during the measurements.
- SQUID: Quantum Design – SQUID – SQUID MPMS up to 7T, desde 2K a 325K, with a fiber optic accessory. Since few years not working to problems in supply of He.
- PPMS: Quantum Design PPMS – Physical Property Measurement System. It operates under a magnetic field up to 9T and a temperature range between 2K and 320K. It facilitates calorimetric measurements through relaxation techniques, heat flux measurements using Peltier sensors, four-point resistivity measurements, and DC and AC magnetization measurements ranging from 100Hz to 10kHz.
- Hyperthemria: Equipment to meassure Specific Absorption Rate/ Magneto-hypertermia experiments at differente fields and frequencies.
Recent Research Projects as Principal Investigator
Nov 14, 2024 – Dec 31, 2025, CAPES: Call No. 07/2024 – Magnetic Systems for Bioremediation. Move la America
The general objective of the work plan is to design and characterize magnetic microcapsules as vehicles for cyanobacteria. It aims to assess the viability of cyanobacteria and the potential use of materials for removing specific contaminants from water. To achieve this, the following specific objectives will be pursued:
Jul 1, 2023 – Jun 30, 2025, FAPESP – Regular Grant: Ferrofluids for Viscous Fluid Flow Applications.
This project seeks to enhance the magnetic properties of ferrofluids to optimize the conversion of electromagnetic energy into heat via the magneto-hyperthermia (MH) effect, for application in the recovery and transport of oil or any viscous fluid by reducing its viscosity. MH is a phenomenon in which the temperature of a system containing magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) increases when exposed to an alternating magnetic field, as the electromagnetic energy is converted into heat through the magnetization reversal of the NPs. Viscosity, on the other hand, decreases as temperature rises. Highly viscous liquids are present in several industries, including Oil & Gas, pharmaceuticals, chemical, and food sectors, where reducing viscosity can lead to lower extraction or transportation costs. The potential implementation of magnetic nanoparticles in this technological challenge originates from a fundamental issue related to the dispersion of NPs in viscous fluids. Therefore, this project aims to develop new synthesis methods for colloidal magnetic nanoparticle systems, targeting their implementation in fluid extraction or transport technologies.
Mar 1, 2024 – Feb 28, 2027, CNPq – Magneto-hyperthermia in Clustered Nanoparticles.
Productivity in Research Grant, PQ2.
This project is of significant scientific and technological relevance. From a technological perspective, it could lead to the development of new technologies that reduce costs in processes involving the transport of viscous liquids, with potential applications across a broad range of industries. Additionally, magnetic nanoparticles can be easily recovered and reused. From a scientific standpoint, the project will contribute to the generation of knowledge in the field of colloidal NP dispersions—a cross-cutting topic relevant to any colloidal NP system, magnetic or non-magnetic.
There is no consensus in the international scientific community regarding the effects of dipolar interactions between magnetic nanoparticles and their consequences on heat capacity. This project will also contribute to the training of new researchers, with a minimum of three undergraduate students and one master’s student involved, in addition to a postdoctoral researcher contributing to various activities.
