Morphology control and applications of ceramic materials synthesized in aqueous solutions

Abstract

Ceramic synthesis in aqueous solutions, referred to as aqueous solution processing in this article, is attracting much attention as its high potentiality of controlling morphology, composition, and functions are revealed by recent pioneering works. A diverse range of chemical reactions and physical phenomena are available to create new materials that has been difficult to be processed by other techniques. Mild processing conditions inherent to aqueous solution processes have made it possible to define morphology and composition of the products in elaborate ways, to hybridize ceramic with organic substances or metal nanoparticles, and to contribute to economical and environmental issues of ceramic industry. Among many beneficial aspects of aqueous solution processing, this article spotlights the categorization of chemical reactions used for thin film deposition, up to date outlines of enzyme-mediated techniques, and recent attempts of the application. The products of aqueous solution processing should find applications in vast fields of technology as its inherent advantages are explored. © 2013 The Ceramic Society of Japan. All rights reserved.