Directed Self‐Assembly as a Route to Ferromagnetic and Superparamagnetic Nanoparticle Arrays

Block co‐polymer patterns are attractive candidates for nanoparticle assemblies. Directed self‐assembly of block co‐polymers in particular allows for long range ordering of the patterns, making them interesting scaffolds for the organization of magnetic particles. Here, a method to tune the channel width of polymer‐derived trenches via atomic layer deposition (ALD) of alumina is reported. The alumnia coating provides a much more thermally robust pattern that is stable up to 250 °C. Using these patterns, magnetic coupling in both ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic nanocrystal chains is achieved.