Cellulose assisted combustion synthesis of nanomaterials for energy conversion applications

Combustion synthesis has been used for a long time for synthesizing functional materials suitable for many applications such as ceramics, electronics, pigments, catalysts etc. In this paper we introduce an emerging field of nanomaterials synthesis, known as "Cellulose Assisted Combustion Synthesis (CACS)" technique. In this technique, an aqueous solution of metal nitrate and a reducing agent is impregnated on a thin cellulose paper to enhance heat transfer effects during the synthesis process. The paper is dried and locally ignited at one end to start a combustion reaction that is self-sustained, and under optimum loading of the reactive solution, can continuously produce nanoparticles with high surface area. The thin film helps in generating a quenching effect and limits nanoparticles sintering in post-combustion stages. This paper summarizes the synthesis of transition metals and their alloys that have shown exceptional catalytic performance for energy conversion applications such as ethanol hydrogen production and fuel cell applications. A summary of reported mechanistic study on selected reactions will be provided in future correspondences to understand the reaction pathway followed on the catalyst surfaces