Solvothermal and hydrothermal processes: the main physico-chemical factors involved and new trends

Hydro- and solvothermal processes play an important role in the different scientific domains involving either basic or applied research. During the last years, such processes have been strongly developed, in particular with the elaboration of nanocrystallites. This review article presents a brief history of their development, an analysis of the key factors governing such processes, and the recent trends.