One-step synthesis of functional Co nanoparticles for surface-initiated polymerization

Abstract Much effort is conducted to construct artificial objects that are capable of converting chemical or electromagnetic energy into a specific, predetermined motion on the nanoscale. We present results on the synthesis of core–shell nanoparticles capable to be set in rotation by the application of electromagnetic fields. The nanorotors implied in the study are based on the cobalt nanospheres decorated with a stabilizing brush shell composed of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) that is attached by surface-initiated polymerization. The functional cores used as macroinitiators can be fabricated alternatively by a two-step or a one-step process.