Thermal decomposition of zinc hexacyanometalates in various gas media

Abstract

Prussian blue analogues with formulae Zn₃[Co(CN)₆]₂·10H₂O and Zn₃[Fe(CN)₆]₂·4H₂O have been synthesized. Their thermal decomposition was studied in oxidizing (air), reducing (hydrogen) and inert (argon) atmospheres in the temperature range from 20 to 1000°C. TG-DSC curves were obtained and solid products of thermolysis were analyzed. It was found that metal-carbon compositions are formed in argon atmosphere, and the sizes of metal particles are 6-26 nm. This study allows us to consider thermolysis of complex compounds as a way to obtain new materials, which may be useful in the field of materials science.