Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis is a green synthesis technique that is highly energy efficient, using little if any toxic solvents. There have been environmental analysis conducted to show that SHS has a lesser environmental impact than traditional solution-phase processing techniques. The technique uses less energy for production of materials, and the energy cost savings increase as synthesis batch sizes increase.
SHS is not a suitable technique for production of nanoparticles. Typically, the high-temperature nature of the process leads to particle sintering during and after the reaction. The high-temperatures generated during synthesis also lead to problems with energy dissipation and suitable reaction vessels, however, some systems use this excess heat to drive other plant-processes.