MOLECULAR CHEMICAL CONCEPTS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF NANOCRYSTALLINE CERAMICS

摘要

Nanomaterials research is seeking methods to achieve a precise control over composition, particle size, size-distribution and morphology. The conventional syntheses involving solid-state or liquid phase reactions of two or more components fail to meet the challenge. The chemical syntheses based on the controlled reactions (interactions) of atoms or molecules are becoming promising alternative for a rational synthesis of nanostructured materials. In this context, different chemical approaches have been put forward to synthesize well-defined materials due to the low temperatures required for the synthesis and the possibility of building extended solid-state structures from molecular building blocks. When compared to the solid-state reactions, the solution methods allow a controlled interaction of atoms or molecules to form uniform films or particles. Further, the flexibility to combine different ligands or metal combinations allows the precursor designing to meet the demands of the target material. Recently, a one-step strategy for the synthesis of nanomaterials involving ensemble of the phase-forming elements in a single molecular source, has gained significant attention because it enhances the advantages of chemical processing and simultaneously reduces the process parameters.