Mechanically induced self-propagating reactions: Fundamentals, overview, in situ monitoring and perspectives

Mechanically induced self-propagating reaction (MSR) represents a promising but a rather underexplored phenomenon within mechanochemistry, a solvent-free alternative to classical solutionbased chemistry, capable of yielding functional materials within a short timeframe. On the contrary to the gradual mechanochemical reactions, MSRs are sub second combustive-like processes bringing about substantial benefits such as faster product formation, time efficiency, and lower energy consumption. Even though the mechanochemical field is in the research spotlight, MSR investigation remains on the periphery. This review aims for catalyzing a renaissance in MSR fundamentals investigation by reviewing the current state-of-art. This is done via systematically reviewing the reaction systems that were reported to react via a MSR in the past twenty years, such as metal-metalloid ones (carbides, borides, silicides, and carbonitrides), metal chalcogenides, metal oxides, and other specific types of reactions. A couple of case studies are briefly reviewed for each system, and the comprehensive table follows afterward. The review also revisits the factors impacting the MSR course from milling conditions and reagent's properties point of view, showing either a direct or inverse relationship with MSR ignition time. The recent development in the in situ monitoring of mechanochemical reactions allowed to obtain some mechanistic insights into the MSR process, which are summarized in the last chapter.