Liesegang banding and multiple precipitate formation in cobalt phosphate systems

► A Liesegang pattern of cobalt phosphate in gelatin is prepared in a 1D tube. ► The pattern displays three main regions: uniform brown and blue zones followed by violet Liesegang bands. ► The precipitates are characterized by FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRD. ► The violet bands consist of anhydrous Co3(PO4)2. ► The blue zone is cobalt phosphate tetrahydrate. ► With time, the pattern disintegrates into more highly hydrated cobalt phosphates.