Cobalt-iron cyanide hollow cubes: Three-dimensional self-assembly and magnetic properties

Cobalt-iron cyanide hollow cubes have been synthesized via a poly(vinylpyrrolidone) assisted solvothermal route. A unique formation process: self-assembly followed by Ostwald ripening process, has been put forward to take account for the construction of hollow cubes. The rod-like nanocrystals first assemble as porous cubes via an oriented attachment process. Then, the porous cubes undergo an Ostwald-ripening process, which create interior spaces and result in the formation of hollow cubes. The magnetic property investigation reveals that K0.22Co0.58Fe2.2(CN)(6) hollow cubes exhibit a ferromagnetic behavior. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.