Tuning the magnetic behavior via dehydration/hydration treatment of a new ferrimagnet with the composition of K0.2Mn1.4Cr(CN)6 x 6H2O.

A new complex (1) of Prussian blue analogue with the composition of K0.2Mn1.4Cr(CN)6 x 6H2O was prepared and characterized structurally as well as magnetically. The crystal structure of complex 1 was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The results indicate that complex 1 consists of a 3D cubic lattice similar to those of Mn3[Cr(CN)6]2 x xH2O, Mn3[Co(CN)6]2 x xH2O, Cd3[Cr(CN)6]2 x xH2O, and Cd3[Co(CN)6]2 x xH2O. Magnetic measurements show that complex 1 is a ferrimagnet with T(c) = 66 K. It is interesting to note that the magnetic behavior of complex 1 can be substantially modulated through a dehydration/rehydration treatment. The T(c) value of this ferrimagnet increases to 99 K after dehydration reaching a 23.4% weight loss, and it decreases back to 66 K after the dehydrated sample reabsorbs water molecules.