Electron transport properties of magnetic granular films

In this paper, we present a review of electron transport properties of magnetic granular films. Magnetic granular films are nanocomposite materials which consist of magnetic nanoparticles embedded in a nonmagnetic matrix or assembling of magnetic nanoparticles. According to the style of the nonmagnetic matrix, microstructure and the electron transport mechanism of the films, the magnetic granular films were divided into three groups: (1) magnetic metal-metal granular films, (2) magnetic metal-insulator granular films and (3) magnetic nanocluster-assembled granular films. Moreover, we also systematically review the magnetic properties, transport properties and magnetoresistance effect of size-monodispersed Co and Fe nanocluster-assembled films.