Highly Efficient Rapid Preparation of Inorganic Nanostructured Materials by Microwave Heating

In recent years, microwave-assisted rapid preparation of inorganic nanostructured materials has attracted much attention due to the incredible increase in reaction rates, high efficiency, and energy saving achieved. The microwave-assisted reaction time can be significantly shortened compared with conventional heating methods. In addition, the effects of microwave irradiation on crystal nucleation and growth, structure, size, morphology, and product yield are also very appealing research topics. In this chapter, we will provide a brief background on microwave chemistry, followed by a detailed discussion of the microwave heating mechanism and microwave effects, for the use of microwave heating to promote the formation and crystallisation of inorganic nanostructured materials. Then, we will outline the unique features of microwave-assisted synthesis and processing. The role of the synthetic parameters will be emphasised and the influences of these experimental parameters on final products will be described. In addition, the apparatus for microwave reactions will be described. Importantly, comparisons between microwave heating and conventional heating will be critically discussed. The major part of this chapter will focus on reviewing the state-of-the-art inorganic nanostructures that are prepared with the help of microwave irradiation. Finally, the challenges and future research directions for microwave-assisted preparation of inorganic nanostructured materials will be outlined.