Chemical Composition of Precursor Chemicals

The type and amount of chemicals used in the reactions exert effect on the characteristics of the resulting powders. The solubility of the fuel, the presence of water and type of fuel used, are critical. In solution, mixtures of metal nitrates (oxidizers) and urea or glycine (fuel) are broken down quickly via deflagration burning or combustion. 

Excellent product homogeneity is achieved by the use of chemical precursors intimately mixed. That happens, in general, when oxidants and fuels are dissolved in water. The fuel also serves as complexing agent limiting the precipitation of individual precursor components prior to ignition. 

The addition of an inert salt in a mixture of redox solution for combustion synthesis may result in the formation of well dispersed nanoparticles with 

Nitrates are chosen as metal precursors, not only because they are fundamental to the combustion method, for providing the metal ion, but also because of their great water solubility, allowing a greater homogenization. 

Most oxides synthesized by combustion can be obtained by combining a metal nitrate and fuel. Groups (NO3)—act as oxidizing agents. 

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