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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 February 2011
The spherical protein ferritin can be used as a generic reaction vessel for the production of a variety of materials, such as iron and manganese oxides. Here, its use for the aqueous production of nanoparticles of equiatomically alloyed CoPt is demonstrated. These have been considered for ultrahigh density magnetic recording as well as permanent magnetic materials. This monodisperse protein strictly regulates the maximum diameter of nanocrystals synthesized within its 8 nm diameter cavity. As a consequence of its external uniformity, it decouples the formation of highly regular self-patterned films from any size distribution associated with the synthesized material. Further, its 2 nm-thick protein coating discourages sintering of particles at temperatures required for the transformation to the L10 phase required for magnetic recording applications.