Process for preparing submicron/nanosize ceramic powders from precursors incorporated within a polymeric foam

A process for producing at least one of ceramic powders and metal powders comprising:

• mixing an aqueous solution comprising at least one metal cation salt with an organic binder and a surfactant producing a metal salt/organic binder/surfactant mixture, said organic binder decomposing at a temperature below the melting temperature of said organic binder;
• generating gas bubbles within said metal salt/organic binder/surfactant mixture, thus forming a wet foam structure;
• drying said wet foam structure, thus forming a polymeric foam comprising homogeneously incorporated metal cations;
• calcining said polymeric foam at a calcination temperature and a time required for complete removal of all organics and formation of a crystal phase, producing at least one of an oxide powder and a metal powder;
• and
• recovering said powder.