Hydrothermal/solvothermal reactions have been widely used over the years for the low temperature synthesis of inorganic compounds. New twists on such synthesis approaches were developed so as to prepare highly performing phosphate or silicate electrode materials at low cost. Herein we review the use of: (1) “Latent bases” to wisely monitor the reaction and (2) ionic liquids rather than water as reaction media to conduct the solvothermal process. The richness and versatility of such approaches towards the elaboration of a wide class of materials having controlled size and shape is highlighted. Ionothermal synthesis is shown to hold great promises for innovative inorganic synthesis.