A synthetic
route to mixed composition particles based on different
Prussian blue analogues containing a gradient in either the divalent
metal or the hexacyanometalate components is explored. Synthetic conditions
and combinations of components that favor kinetically trapping the
gradient structures are identified, and these are contrasted with
cases for which gradients in composition are harder to achieve. By
an exploration of several combinations, the relative rate of precipitation
of the PBA components is shown to be the crucial determinant for achieving
control over the gradient synthesis, a parameter that is complicated
by differing crystallization mechanisms within the PBA family. For
one combination, cobalt hexacyanoferrate with nickel hexacyanoferrate,
a complete series of particles is demonstrated, including particles
with differing divalent metal ion gradients, core particles with a
gradient shell, and particles with discrete core and shell components
separated by a gradient. The structural characteristics of the gradient
heterostructures are compared to the individual single phases and
to more standard core–shell particles.
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