Microwave energy application to combustion synthesis: A comprehensive review of recent advancements and most promising perspectives

Microwave heating fundamentally differs from other heating techniques as the consequence of its unique characteristic of being based on the electromagnetic energy transfer from the microwaves source to the interacting material, which according to its electric, dielectric, and magnetic properties can convert the absorbed energy into heat. This peculiar heating mechanism is at the basis of plenty of unquestionable advantages that were reported during the last three decades in most of the different branches of chemistry as well as materials science, thus including also combustion synthesis. After a brief overview of the microwave heating fundamentals as well as of the different components constituting the scientific microwave applicators, all the most significant and recent advancements in the use of microwaves as energy source in both solid-state as well as solution combustion synthesis processes will be comprehensively reviewed, highlighting the unique opportunities arising from the coupling of these two energy efficient techniques. Moreover the possible employment of less conventional frequencies as well as the use of new-generation solid state generators will be critically discussed also in the framework of scaling-up and microwave reactor design considerations.