Solid State Synthesis

Solid-state synthesis, or the ceramic method, is commonly used to cause a chemical reaction from solid starting materials to form a new solid with a well-defined structure. End products include polycrystalline materials, single crystals, glasses, and thin-film materials that are widely used for energy and electronic applications.

Fine-grain metal compounds are combined, pelletized, and heated at a controlled temperature for a specific time period. Some metal compounds, such as metal oxides or salts, require extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and pressure, to initiate reactions in a molten flux or a rapidly condensing vapor phase. This process is often referred to as “shake and bake” or “heat and beat” chemistry.

The reaction rate in solid state synthesis is particularly important to characterize. Solid state reactions must go to completion, as techniques for purification of formed solids are severely limited. The rate of the solid-state reaction depends on the reaction conditions, including the structural properties, shape and surface area of the reactants, the diffusion rate, and the thermodynamic properties associated with the nucleation/reaction. The chemical and physical properties of the final materials are determined by the chemical precursors and preparation techniques.