The rapid synthesis of refractory ceramics and intermetallic compounds via solid-state metathesis routes

Most conventional synthetic routes to solid-state materials (e.g. ceramics and alloys) require large amounts of energy and long time periods to produce homogeneous, crystalline compounds. Here we report on the success of a precursor approach to materials synthesis which involves no external heating and produces crystalline products in seconds. Solid-state metathesis (SSM) reactions are shown to provide a rapid and straightforward route to refractory ceramics (metal nitrides and zirconia) and intermetallic compounds (e.g. Al...