Solution combustion synthesis for the preparation of structured catalysts: a mini-review on process intensification for energy applications and pollution control

Solution combustion synthesis (SCS) is a preparation technique that can be used to synthesise a variety of inorganic nanomaterials and structured catalysts. It is based on a self-propagating exothermic redox reaction between organic salts and a fuel mixed together in an aqueous solution which results in the formation nanocrystalline and highly pure solid nanomaterials. SCS can be considered as an attractive synthesis method for catalysts due to the simple nature of the synthesis route and short reaction times. The process is easily scaled up to any kind of application which makes it economically attractive. This mini-review provides a short panoramic overview on the synthesis of structured catalysts by SCS and their recent applications for energy applications and pollution control.