A review on flame synthesis for nanomaterial: mechanism, effect, and electrochemical application

Nanomaterials are instrumental across various domains, including energy, environmental science, and catalysis, significantly advancing the progress of multiple fields. Traditional methods for nanomaterial preparation exhibit inefficiencies and pose challenges for post-processing, particularly in controlling complex materials. In contrast, flame synthesis technology, characterized by its rapid and scalable nature, offers effective solutions to these issues. Flame synthesis technology is influenced by numerous factors, and achieving optimal results requires a reasonable selection of both the flame process and precursors. This strategic approach is essential for harnessing the advantages of the technology and producing nanomaterials that fulfill specific requirements. Therefore, the review provides a comprehensive examination of the particle growth mechanisms associated with flame synthesis technology, alongside an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of various reaction devices. Additionally, it illustrates how specific parameters, such as equivalence ratio and flame temperature, influence the properties of synthesized particles. The application of flame synthesis technology to electrochemical water splitting and fuel cells is summarized, focusing on the study of non-precious metal catalysts and low-temperature materials in fuel cells, while highlighting the advantages of the technology over traditional preparation methods. Finally, challenges and future perspectives of flame synthesis techniques for developing complex nanomaterials are discussed.