Controlling combustion wave propagation for transition metal/alloy/cermet foam synthesis

High-purity nickel, copper, cobalt and alloy foams are synthesized through combustion in an open container (i.e., in air at ambient pressure). This is achieved by varying the fuel/oxidizer ratio during the combustion of a metal nitrate-glycine mixture, a technique previously used for oxide powder formation. By tuning this experimental parameter, reaction propagation is controlled to enable particle agglomeration, leading to foam structures.