Application of urea precipitation method in preparation of advanced ceramic powders

Urea precipitation method has been developed as an important approach for the preparation of inorganic particles with defined morphology and composition. In present work, we provide survey of the technological developments and achievements mainly on the application of the urea precipitation method in preparation of advanced ceramics powders. Stable pH obtained during the thermal decomposition of urea in aqueous solution make it quite promising for the precise composition control of ultrafine powders. The decomposition mechanism of urea in aqueous solution is discussed before a systematic description of its application in the preparation of monodispersed particles with unary/binary composition. Clear decomposition mechanism of urea provides researchers a possibility to analyze the evolution process of ultrafine particles from its initial forming period. Finally, the application potential and future prospects of this method, such as preparation of core–shell particle with designed composition and precipitation kinetics study, are outlined.