Microwave synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

This chapter summarizes microwave irradiation methods for the préparation of metal oxide nanoparticles and their catalytic and sensing properties and applications. Microwave irradiation provides rapid decomposition of metal precursors and can be extended for synthesis of a wide range of metal oxide nanoparticles with various compositions, sizes and shapes. This chapter introduces the microwave method and describes the nucleation and growth process for the formation nanocrystals. We offer a broad overview of metal oxide nanostructures synthesized by microwave irradiation including: ZnO, TiO2, CeO2, other rare earth metal oxides, transitional metal oxides and metal ferrite nanostructures. Finally, we describe the application of metal oxides in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and gas sensing devices.