Control of stoichiometry, size and morphology of inorganic polymers by template assisted coordination chemistry

Recent years have seen the discovery of fascinating electronic properties in Prussian blue analogues and derivatives making them appealing candidates for the realization of molecular devices. Their successful integration into real applications however depends on a further processing step allowing the control of their size, shape and spatial organization at the surface or within a solid matrix. Here, we report an original strategy allowing the controlled precipitation of Prussian blue analogues and derivatives within the well-defined porosity of ordered mesoporous silica monoliths exhibiting various structures. This synthetic route offers great potentials for the study of Prussian blue derived particles as a function of their size, their shape and even their orientation in magnetic or electric fields. Furthermore, the thermal decomposition in oxidative or reductive atmosphere of the confined Prussian blue derivatives also offers appealing perspectives for the elaboration and the study of mixed-oxides and alloys with finely tuned stoichiometry.