Ceramic synthesis from condensed phases

Advanced ceramics have progressed significantly in the last few years. This progress is closely related to the development of new synthetic routes providing not only the preparation of known materials with improved properties, but also the discovery of novel compounds. This chapter gives an overview of established synthetic methods to prepare oxide- and non-oxide-based ceramics from precursors in condensed phases. Typical synthetic strategies performed either in liquid or solid phases are summarized. In addition, innovative synthesis methods such as sol–gel and polymer-derived pyrolysis technique to develop advanced ceramics with exceptional properties are considered.