MANGANESE NANOPARTICLES David E. Nikles, University of Alabama, DMR 0934920

1. MANGANESE NANOPARTICLESDavid E. Nikles, University of Alabama, DMR 0934920 Our objective is to devise a means of producing AlMn nanoparticles in the ferromagnetic τ–phase. The approach is a two-step process, preparation of Mn seed particles, followed by deposition of Al onto the Mn particle surface. We have modified a literature procedure* to make Mn nanoparticles by the n-butyl lithium reduction of MnCl2 in hot phenyl ether with oleic acid. A solution of n-butyl lithium in phenyl ether was added to a solution of MnCl2 at 200° C with oleic acid. The mixture was then refluxed for one hour. This gave 5 to 10 nm diameter Mn nanoparticles (see TEM images) with a narrow distribution of particle sizes. Refluxing narrowed the particle size distribution. * J. F. Bondi, K. D. Oyler, X. Ke, P. Schiffer and R. E. Schaak J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 9144-9145. TEM images of Mn Nanoparticles Lei Zhang is the graduate research assistant working on the synthesis and characterization of AlMn nanoparticles

2. HIGH SCHOOL INTERNS AND INDUSTRIAL OUTREACHDavid E. Nikles, University of Alabama, DMR 0934920 Outreach to Industry Update on AlMn Particle Research Nikles made an invited presentation to the Magnetic Tape Program at the annual meeting of the Information Storage Industry Consortium (INSIC). INSIC’s Magnetic Tape Technology Roadmap predicts that the present metal particle technology will reach its limit at the end of this decade. To continue the 40% compound average growth rate in the increase of data storage capacity of magnetic tape beyond 2020, new particle chemistry must be developed, with barium ferrite and τ-phase aluminum manganese being candidates. Nikles reviewed the progress made toward the synthesis of AlMn nanoparticles. 2010 High School Research Interns The Nanoscience and Engineering High School Research Internship* program at the provides a 10 week summer research experience for high school students. Maranda Burns (lower left) was supported by this project and did research on the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles. * D. E .Nikles and G. B. Thompson Proceedings of the Materials Research Society, 2008, 1046-W02-10.