High Temperature Materials and Solid State Chemistry

Solid state chemistry is a branch of science which deals with the preparation, chemical, physical and structural properties of elements and compounds in the condensed phase (solid state). Solids on the basis of their internal structure can be classified as crystalline or amorphous. A crystalline solid is identified by its crystal system, space group and unit-cell parameters. In order to understand the factors which determine the crystal structures and the physical and chemical properties, an introduction to some fundamental solid state chemistry concepts is given. A chemical classification of solids is made. Covalent, ionic and metallic solids are presented, together with examples of those containing in the crystal lattice more than one type of bond. A correlation between the bonding and the physical properties of a solid is discussed and, in particular, the difference between metals and non metals in the light of the band theory. The following four selected classes of inorganic compounds are presented: a) hybrid organic-inorganic layered perovskite halides; b) inorganic materials for lithium-ion batteries; c) inorganic and molecule-based superconductors; d) multifunctional organic-inorganic hybrid solids. The last section deals with high temperature materials; the methods of synthesis along with some chosen examples on the basis of their technological application will be described.