Rare-earth-based permanent magnets are one of the most important magnets in both scientific and industrial fields. With the development of technology, nanostructured rarearth-based permanent magnets with high energy products are highly required. In this article, we will review the progress in chemical synthetic strategies of nanostructured rare-earth-based permanent magnets.
Progress in surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles（MNPs） is summarized with regard to organic molecules,macromolecules and inorganic materials. Many researchers are now devoted to synthesizing new types of multi-functional MNPs, which show great application potential in both diagnosis and treatment of disease. By employing an ever-greater variety of surface modification techniques, MNPs can satisfy more and more of the demands of medical practice in areas like magnetic resonance imaging（MRI）, fluorescent marking, cell targeting, and drug delivery.
Nanomagnetism is the origin of many unique properties in magnetic nanomaterials that can be used as building blocks in information technology, spintronics, and biomedicine. Progresses in nanomagnetic principles, distinct magnetic nanostructures, and the biomedical applications of nanomagnetism are summarized.
Colloidal chemical synthesis of various types of magnetic nanocrystals is discussed with regard to recent discoveries. We first outline the chemical preparation of single-component magnetic nanocrystals with controlled size, shape, and uniformity based on several solution-phase methods, especially thermal decomposition and/or reduction method. Then we discuss the synthetic strategies of multi-component nanocrystals incorporating at least one magnetic component by manipulating heterogeneous nucleation and growth process. Toward the end, approaches for preparing hollow/porous magnetic nanocrystals are highlighted. We believe that the summarized chemical synthesis will pave the way for the future development of extraordinary magnetic nanocrystals.
