Magnetism in polymers with embedded gold nanoparticles

Magnetism can be induced in polymers by embedding thiol-capped Au nanoparticles (NPs). The capped NPs (see figure) induce an alteration in the electronic properties of Au, giving rise to ferromagnetic behavior despite the diamagnetic character of bulk Au. When the capped NPs are embedded into a polymeric matrix the magnetic properties are preserved, opening up the possibility of developing Au-based macroscopic magnetic materials.