Morphology controllable preparation of nanocube Mn3[Fe(CN)6]2nH2O particles

In this article, Prussian Blue Analog (PBA) Mn3[Fe(CN)6]2nH2O porous nanocubes have been fabricated though a simple room temperature agitation method with the water soluble polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). By varying process parameters, such as the molar ratio of K3[Fe(CN)6] to MnSO4, the volume ratio of water to ethanol, and the amount of PVP, different kinds of architectural structures can be controllably synthesized in large quantities. Moreover, Mn3[Fe(CN)6]2nH2O porous nanocubes can also show high adsorption efficiency for heavy metal ions even in a strong acidic solution due to its chemical stability. Products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results show that PVP plays a significant role in the formation of Mn3[Fe(CN)6]2nH2O nanocubes. Possible mechanisms for the PVP controlling orientation growth of Mn3[Fe(CN)6]2nH2O nanocubes are discussed.