Abstract Scope |
In this presentation, the main work at Exeter on molten salt and microwave co-assisted synthesis of advanced ceramics in various forms (single phase or composite nanoparticles, 1-D/2-D nanomaterials, hollow nanospheres, and functional coatings) for various demanding applications, is overviewed. It starts with a brief background introduction to the advanced ceramics used in various demanding applications including hypersonic vehicles, armours, high temperature furnace linings, high efficiency engines, and nanocatalysts, which is followed by highlighting the two important mechanisms involved in the molten salt synthesis process, “template-growth” and “dissolution and precipitation”. Then, several interesting case studies on applications of the two main mechanisms to the synthesis of complex oxide (e.g., spinels, zirconates and titanates) and non-oxide ceramics (in particular, carbides and borides) are presented. Next, the use of molten salt combined with microwave heating in the advanced ceramic synthesis is discussed in detail. And finally, the future perspectives are given. |