Direct Observation of Ferromagnetic State in Gold Nanorods Probed using Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy

X-band electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy has been performed for gold nanorods (AuNRs) of four different sizes covered with a diamagnetic stabilizing component, cetyltrimethylammmonium bromide. The ESR spectra show ferromagnetic features such as hysteresis and resonance field shift, depending on the size of the AuNRs. In addition, the ferromagnetic transition is indicated by an abrupt change in the spectra of the two smallest AuNRs studied. A large g-value in the paramagnetic region suggests that the ferromagnetism in the AuNRs originates from strong spin-orbit interaction.