Preparation of ceramic nanoparticles via cellulose-assisted glycine nitrate process: a review

Ceramics exhibit several interesting properties, which make them the material of choice for a broad range of applications. Their physical and chemical properties are significantly improved by sub-micrometer ceramic powders with narrow particle size distribution, high chemical purity and crystallinity and no/weak agglomeration. However, powders with such superior characteristics are mostly synthesized by complex and costly processes, which are usually not ideal for production at an industrial scale. Therefore, developing simple, efficient, inexpensive and environmentally-benign processes for the preparation of high quality ceramic powders is of great interest both for the research community and industry. In this regard, this article reviews the research efforts in the preparation of ceramic nanopowders from cotton-cellulose, which is used as a sacrificial bio-template, in a glycine-nitrate process. Low processing temperatures, self-propagating nature of the reactions, high reaction rates, no necessity for extra energy and special apparatus are the characteristics of this process yielding extremely fine, homogenous and non-agglomerated powders.