Controlled Synthesis of Photomagnetic Nanoparticles of a Prussian Blue Analogue in a Silica Xerogel

Controlled precipitation: Silica can control the precipitation of a CoFe Prussian Blue analogue (PBA) by reversibly protecting the CoII ions. The precursors are introduced into a silica sol and precipitation of the PBA is triggered by acidification after condensation of the silica network (see picture). This original method provides a homogeneous nanocomposite with important photomagnetic properties.