Fe2O3 core–NaCo[Fe(CN)6] shell nanoparticles—Synthesis and characterization

A facile precipitation route was developed for the synthesis of cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoHCF) as a thin shell around cores of nanoparticles of iron(III) oxide, forming nanoparticles of iron(III) oxide@CoHCF (n-Fe2O3@NaCo[Fe(CN)6]). The morphology and structure of the as-prepared n-Fe2O3@NaCo[Fe(CN)6] were characterized by the techniques of electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. Carbon composite electrodes of n-Fe2O3@NaCo[Fe(CN)6] were prepared and the electrochemical behavior of the nanoparticles was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry. The redox couples of n-Fe2O3@NaCo[Fe(CN)6] were investigated and the diffusion coefficients of counter cation in the shell of CoHCF were obtained. The effect of size of particles and the structure of CoHCF was also evaluated. n-Fe2O3@NaCo[Fe(CN)6] represented prominent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of some biologically active compounds.