Formation of Nanostructured Carbon from [Ni(NH3)6]3[Fe(CN)6]2

The products of thermal decomposition in an argon atmosphere of [Ni(NH₃)₆]₃[Fe(CN)₆]₂ as a precursor has been studied. Decomposition products were studied up to 800 °C. Above 600 °C, all coordination bonds in the residues are broken with a formation of Ni₃Fe, Fe, and free carbon with a small admixture of nitrogen. Elementary carbon can be easily separated from metals by treatment with a water solution of hydrochloric acid. Only carbon is responsible for the specific surface of the composite products. The released carbon has a high degree of graphitization and begins to oxidize in air above 500 °C and is completely oxidized above 700 °C.