Continuous size fractionation of magnetic nanoparticles by using simulated moving bed chromatography

Abstract The size fractionation of magnetic nanoparticles is a technical problem, which until today can only be solved with great effort. Nevertheless, there an important demand for sharp distributions, example medical technology or sensor technology. Using chromatography, we show promising method respect to their and/or properties. This was achieved by passing through packed bed fine steel spheres they interact magnetically because single domain ferro-/ferrimagnetic spontaneous magnetization. Since the strength this interaction related particle size, principle suitable fractionation. concept transferred into continuous process in work using so-called simulated moving chromatography. Applying suspension within range from 20 120 nm, showed separation sharpness up 0.52 recovery rates 100%. feed stream could fractionated space-time-yield 5 mg/(L∙min). Due easy scalability approach efficient industrially relevant amounts nanoparticles.