Tuning the magnetic properties of Prussian Blue analogues : size control and the effects of external stimuli

The hetero-bimetallic mixed valence metal polycyanides (Prussian Blue analogues (PBAs)) with formula AxMII[M’III(CN)6]y (where A= alkali-metal cation and M, M’= transition-metal cations respectively) are archetypal examples of molecule-based magnets, exhibiting a wealth of exotic electronic and magnetic behaviours. Similar intriguing electronic and magnetic properties are anticipated in nanoscale structures employing the PBA molecular building block. Herein investigations of multifunctional molecular magnets based on the PBA building block, with varying dimensionalities, are reported. Synthesis and characterisation of a novel family of mixed ferri-ferromagnets, RbNizMn(1-z)[Fe(CN)6] (0<z