Morphological Studies of Composite Spin Crossover@SiO Nanoparticles

Spin crossover (SCO) iron (II) 1,2,4-triazole-based coordination compounds in the form of composite SCO@SiO nanoparticles were prepared using a reverse microemulsion technique. The thickness of the silica shell and the morphology of the as obtained core@shell nanoparticles were studied by modifying the polar phase/surfactant ratio (ω), as well as the quantity and the insertion phase (organic, aqueous and micellar phases) of the tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) precursor, the quantity of ammonia and the reaction temperature. The morphology of the nanoparticles was monitored by transmission electron microscopy (TEM/HRTEM) while their composition probed by combined elemental analyses, thermogravimetry and EDX analyses. We report that not only the particle size can be controlled but also the size of the silica shell, allowing for interesting perspectives in post-synthetic modification of the shell. The evolution of the spin crossover properties associated with the change in morphology was investigated by variable temperature optical and magnetic measurements.