Solid-State Reaction Synthesis of Nanoscale Materials: Strategies and Applications

Abstract

Nanomaterials (NMs) with unique structures and compositions can give rise to exotic physicochemical properties and applications. Despite the advancement in solution-based methods, scalable access to a wide range of crystal phases and intricate compositions is still challenging. Solid-state reaction (SSR) syntheses have high potential owing to their flexibility toward multielemental phases under feasibly high temperatures and solvent-free conditions as well as their scalability and simplicity. Controlling the nanoscale features through SSRs demands a strategic nanospace-confinement approach due to the risk of heat-induced reshaping and sintering. Here, we describe advanced SSR strategies for NM synthesis, focusing on mechanistic insights, novel nanoscale phenomena, and underlying principles using a series of examples under different categories. After introducing the history of classical SSRs, key theories, and definitions central to the topic, we categorize various modern SSR strategies based on the surrounding solid-state media used for nanostructure growth, conversion, and migration under nanospace or dimensional confinement. This comprehensive review will advance the quest for new materials design, synthesis, and applications.

Stratum‐Confined Solid‐State Reaction (SC‐SSR) toward Colloidal Silicon‐Based Hollow Nanostructures for Bioapplications

“…Distinct from the prevalent examples on NP‐surface engineering, we demonstrated the potential of NP‐interior stratum for controlling the challenging high‐temperature SSRs. [ 40 ] Our work opens the avenues for synthesizing unique biocompatible compositions and sophisticated nanostructures through SSRs that will endow next‐generation platforms for diverse biomedical applications.…”

Semiautomated Experiments to Accelerate the Design of Advanced Battery Materials: Combining Speed, Low Cost, and Adaptability

“…To overcome the limitations of poorly mixed precursors that have plagued solid-state synthesis, a very common approach is to turn to solution-based methods such as coprecipitation or sol–gel. , In coprecipitation, mixtures of precursor solutions are made, and a precipitator is added (often a base like NaOH) to cause coprecipitation of the precursor elements (usually transition metals). Figure shows that in traditional approaches, this is normally done in a tank reactor over about 10 h or more such that the key conditions (temperature, pH, and stirring) are all carefully controlled. , After rinsing, the rest of the synthesis proceeds in a manner similar to solid-state synthesis, where mixing with a Li (or Na for Na-ion) salt is done in a mortar and pestle prior to high temperature heating.…”

Crystal-Phase Engineering in Heterogeneous Catalysis

“…Since the crystal-phase engineering of heterogeneous catalysts has attracted great attention over the past few decades, much effort has been devoted to developing modern crystal-phase-controlled synthesis approaches. , There are generally two different kinds of methods for the controlled synthesis of a material with different crystalline phases, namely, the direct synthesis of an unconventional metastable crystalline phase or indirect synthesis of an unconventional metastable crystalline phase from the transition of a conventional crystalline phase. , The control of synthesis parameters is a powerful tool in phase engineering, enabling the development of catalysts with enhanced stability, activity, and selectivity. Systematic variation of synthesis parameters provides insights into the mechanisms governing phase formation, which is invaluable for designing new catalysts and improving existing ones.…”