A facile route for the preparation of nanoparticles of the spin-crossover complex [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4) in xerogel transparent composite films

Films and monoliths containing the spin crossover complex [Fe(Htrz)(2)(trz)](BF4) (trz = 1,2,4-triazole) as nanoparticles have been obtained. The dispersion and consecutive inclusion of the Fe complex in a silica matrix prepared from tetramethoxysilane or tetraethoxysilane afford monoliths or films with a violet colour at room temperature, which turns white above 380 K. This change of colour is reversible. This thermochromic behaviour has been characterized by measuring the magnetic properties together with thermogravimetric studies and Raman spectroscopy, the result of which all demonstrate that both films and monoliths undergo a spin crossover. Microscopy studies confirm the occurrence of the Fe complex as nanoparticles, in both the monoliths and the films. The facile synthesis of these materials as nanoparticles in transparent films should open the possibility of the synthesis of high quality films.