Surface charge controlled magnetic nanoparticles with grafting of poly(4-vinylpyridine).

Poly(4-vinylpyridine)-grafted magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by the "graft to" method. Surface-modified magnetic particles are covered with a hydrophobic layer because it can be dispersed in organic solvents such as methanol, toluene, benzene, and chloroform, but not in water. Surface charge control with magnetic nanoparticles of various isoelectric point was achieved by quaternization of pyridyl groups, and the positively charged particles can be dispersed in water within a wide range of pH.