Microwave-induced electric discharges on metal particles for the synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials under solvent-free conditions.

Microwave irradiation of metals generates electric discharges (arcs). These arcs are used to generate nanoparticles of Cu and Ni and one-dimensional nanorods of CuS, ZnF2, and NiF2 protected with fluorinated amorphous carbon. We have also synthesized reduced graphene oxide and partially rolled graphene by this method.