Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis of Nanostructured Oxide Materials

This chapter is focused on the use of high intensity ultrasound for the preparation of nanostructured materials with an emphasis on recent prominent examples of the production of dense or porous metal oxides through sonochemical and ultrasonic spray pyrolysis routes. Sonochemistry enables the synthesis of oxides that are often unachievable by traditional methods or affords known materials with shape, size, and nano/microstructure control under fast reaction conditions. The fundamental principles of acoustic cavitation, as well as the main ultrasonic parameters affecting the cavitation phenomenon, are first summarized. Next, the applications of ultrasound in the synthesis of nanostructured oxide materials following both preparation methods are reviewed. Particular focus is given to the ultrasound-assisted synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles for energy applications.