Solution combustion synthesis of perovskite oxides: comparison between MWs and conventional ignition

Solution Combustion Synthesis is a nanomaterials preparation technique which is significantly energy- and time-efficient, being the energy required limited to the ignition step and being the reaction time greatly reduced as a consequence of the explosive nature of the exothermic process. Aim of this work is to present a detailed comparison between conventionally-ignited and microwaves-ignited solution combustion synthesis of LaFeO3 nanopowders, being this oxide at the basis of La1-xSrxFe1-yCuyO3-w perovskite materials, which represent a promising class of oxides to be exploited as the cathode in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The effects of the different ignition conditions on synthesis parameters and on nanoparticles size and morphology have been investigated in detail.