Abstract
The synthesis of complex functional inorganic materials, such as oxides, can be successfully performed by using microwave irradiation as the source of heat. To achieve this, different routes and set-ups can be used: microwave-assisted synthesis may proceed in the solid state or in solution, aqueous or not, and the set ups may be as simple and accessible as domestic oven or quite sophisticated laboratory equipment. An obvious advantage of this innovative methodology is the considerable reduction in time—minutes rather than hours or days—and, as a consequence, energy saving. No less important is the fact that the particle growth is inhibited and the broad variety of different microwave or microwave-assisted synthesis techniques opens up opportunities for the preparation of inorganic nanoparticles and nanostructures. In this work, various microwave synthesis techniques have been employed: solid-state microwaves, single-mode microwaves using a TE10p cavity and microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. Relevant examples are presented and discussed.
Highlights
There is a permanent stimulus for searching alternative synthetic routes for inorganic materials.The so-called “Soft Chemistry” methods appeared in the 1970s, pioneered by Rouxel and Livage, where the reactions are performed at moderate temperature, preferably at room temperature but always below 500 °C [1]
LaCrO3 perovskite has been widely recognized as promising interconnect material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) [50]
This material was synthesized by a single mode microwave equipment
Summary
There is a permanent stimulus for searching alternative synthetic routes for inorganic materials. In the last two decades, other classes of alternative synthesis methods for inorganic solids appeared: the so-called “Fast Chemistry” techniques [4,5], which enhance the diffusion rate of the ceramic precursors by several orders of magnitude, reaction time is shortened—and often lower reaction temperatures are feasible. Such techniques include combustion synthesis, sonochemistry, spark plasma sintering and the procedures that are the object of this work: microwave-assisted methods of synthesis. Various microwave synthesis techniques have been employed: solid-state microwaves, single-mode microwaves using a TE10p cavity and microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis
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