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Magnetic Fields Influence on Nanoparticle Creation
The Earth’s magnetic field, a subtle force that underpins life on our planet, has recently been harnessed in an innovative way to develop new nanoparticles and materials.
Researchers from Flinders University have embarked on a pioneering exploration into the effects of magnetic fields on fluid dynamics, putting to the test long-standing hypotheses in physics. Their findings are detailed in the article titled “Chiral Lemniscate Formation in Magnetic Field Controlled Topological Fluid Flows“, published in the journal Small.
Collaborating with peers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, the Australian team utilized advanced modeling within a high-speed vortex fluidic device (VFD) to explore groundbreaking possibilities in nanoprocessing and sustainable chemistry.
This research consolidates evidence from five diverse global sites, demonstrating how the orientation of the fluidic flow device influences the formation of chiral nanomaterials—specifically, right-handed and left-handed structures—by adjusting the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the tubing.
According to Professor Colin Raston, an expert in clean technology at Flinders, “Our research indicates that the combination of fluid flow and magnetic fields can favor one chiral structure over another, revealing the Earth’s magnetic field as a significant force—beyond its role in avian navigation—potentially aiding human technological advancements.”
He emphasizes the potentialities uncovered through their experiments in both hemispheres, hinting at the possibilities for creating chiral molecules, macromolecules, and various materials by tweaking the VFD processing parameters.
Professor Raston pioneered the vortex fluidic device nearly 15 years ago to delve into the multifaceted applications of rapid fluid flow within a rotating tube, which is now recognized for its unique double helical and typhoon-like flow properties.
The VFD’s distinct structure has led to the development of innovative techniques for producing superior pharmaceuticals, advanced nanoparticles, more eco-friendly cosmetics, and efficient water purification methods— often using significantly less energy and avoiding harmful solvents and chemicals.
One notable achievement with the VFD was the award-winning process of ‘unboiling an egg’, a technique for separating interacting proteins, which earned the team a global Ig Nobel Prize in 2015.
In further studies, the VFD has demonstrated its utility in the production of nanomaterials, capable of breaking the resilient bonds in carbon nanotubes, extracting DNA for rapid disease biomarkers, and separating oil from water without requiring chemical inputs.
This new research expands on those earlier achievements, revealing that adjusting the rapid water flow in the microfluidic device in relation to applied magnetic fields can yield unexpected and promising results.
Professor Raston notes, “Our findings underscore the potential for refining processing outcomes by thoroughly investigating the 3D space of applied magnetic fields, which may also benefit quantum devices designed for photon and electron manipulation.”
He adds that the environmental benefits of this research could significantly simplify nanofabrication processes and lead to the creation of novel metamaterials, opening new avenues in the field of quantum technology.
More information: Matt Jellicoe et al, Chiral Lemniscate Formation in Magnetic Field Controlled Topological Fluid Flows, Small (2025). DOI: 10.1002/smll.202409807
Provided by Flinders University
Citation: Earth’s magnetic field impact on fluid flow revealed for the first time (2025, April 15) retrieved 15 April 2025 from https://phys.org/news/2025-04-earth-magnetic-field-impact-fluid.html
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