Spray-pyrolysis technique for the synthesis of metal oxide nanostructures

In broad terms, spray pyrolysis chemical synthesis is a method for obtaining thin films of metal oxides, chalcogenides and ceramics directly from respective aqueous solutions by adept control of temperature, pressure and composition, flow-rate etc. The objective of this chapter is to introduce the use of spray pyrolysis method for obtaining various thin films and how aqueous solutions of metal salts are processed so as to obtain product in thin films. This chapter also emphasizes on operation principle, intermediate steps, and possibilities of forming various metal oxide nanostructures by controlling preparation parameters. Historical part of spray pyrolysis as a materials synthesis technology is included in the introduction section which is followed by experimental setup details and deposition parameters. Advantages and disadvantages of spray pyrolysis method are presented in brief. Before conclusions and future perspectives, metal oxide nanocrystalline films prepared by spray pyrolysis are summarized in tabular form.