Magnetic composites exhibiting distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces

A method of making an electrode with a surface coated with a magnetic composite with a plurality of boundary regions with magnetic gradients having paths to the surface of said electrode, comprising the steps of:

• mixing a first solution which includes a suspension of at least approximately 1 percent by weight of inert polymer coated magnetic microbeads containing between approximately 10 percent and approximately 90 percent magnetizable polymer material having diameters at least 0.5 micrometers in a first solvent with a second solution of at least approximately 2 percent by weight of ion exchange polymers in a second solvent to yield a mixed suspension;
• applying said mixed suspension to the surface of the electrode, said electrode being arranged in a magnetic field of at least approximately 0.05 Tesla which has a component oriented approximately along the normal of said electrode surface;
• and
• evaporating said first solvent and said second solvent to yield the electrode with a surface coated with the magnetic composite having a plurality of boundary regions with magnetic gradients having paths to the surface of the electrode.