Combustion synthesis: a novel method of catalyst preparation

In this chapter, we summarize work accomplished primarily by the authors on the use of solution combustion synthesis (SCS) in catalysis. Research in combustion synthesis at University of Notre Dame started with the group of Prof. A. Varma, now at Purdue University, in collaboration with Prof. A. Mukasyan and its application to catalysis was pursued jointly with Prof. E. Wolf. Prof. A. Kumar worked on the subject during his graduate studies at Notre Dame and now he is continuing work on the application of combustion synthesis to catalysis at Qatar University. After an introduction to combustion synthesis, we describe reaction pathways involved in the preparation of unsupported and supported catalysts using SCS. The catalytic applications focus on preparation and performance of active and stable catalysts for the hydrogen generation from methanol and ethanol, followed by application to electrocatalysis for fuels cell utilization.