30 March 2025, Volume 56 Issue 3

    

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Focuses & Concerns
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  Pyridyl modified ZIF-8 for photocatalytic hydrogen production

  WANG Yating, SONG Jinyue, ZHENG Yi

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3001-3007. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.001

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  Metal-organic framework (MOFs) materials show great potential in the field of photocatalysis due to their unique pore structure and easily regulatable chemical properties. As a photocatalytic material, zeolite imidazole skeleton material (ZIF-8) faces the serious problem of light absorption. In view of the difficulties existing in the application of ZIF-8 at the present stage, the functional modification method is used to improve the band gap of ZIF-8, so as to improve the photocatalytic activity of ZIF-8. ZIF-8 modified with 2,2′-bipyridine (2-BP) exhibits the strongest photocatalytic activity, and its photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency is about 910.14 μmol/g/h, which is 7.3 times than that of unmodified ZIF-8.
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  Grain size dependence of stress-induced transformation and dislocation plasticity in a NiTiNb alloy

  ZHANG Qiang, YANG Youyi, WANG Taotao, YU Kaiyuan

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3008-3012. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.002

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  The plastic deformation of NiTi-based alloys primarily involves the competition between stress-induced martensitic transformation and dislocation plasticity. To widen the superelastic temperature range and reduce residual strain, it is often imperative to increase the critical stress for dislocation slip to surpass the critical stress for transformation. Grain refinement is a conventional method to inhibit dislocation slip. However, it also constrains transformation, leading to a simultaneous increase in both critical stresses. Currently, the relative sensitivity of grain size dependence on the critical stresses of transformation and dislocation slip remains unclear. In this paper, Ni₅₁Ti₄₇Nb₂ (at%) alloy wires with different grain sizes were fabricated by melting, forging, wire drawing and crystallization annealing. The superelastic and plastic deformation behaviors of the Ni₅₁Ti₄₇Nb₂ alloy were characterized using variable-temperature tensile tests. The results show that the critical stresses of transformation and dislocation slip of the Ni₅₁Ti₄₇Nb₂ alloy both exhibit Hall-Petch type grain size dependence, meaning that the critical stress is proportional to the square root of the grain size. As the grain size decreases, the critical stress for dislocation slip increases much faster than that for transformation, thus ensuring that grain refinement is an effective method to enhance superelasticity.
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  Characteristics of Mn₃O₄-doped non-reducible X7R nano BaTiO₃-based ceramics

  XIAO Chanyin, CHI Shangchao, LIU Shucheng, ZHANG Shuren, TANG Bin

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3013-3018. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.003

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  The BaTiO₃-SrCO₃-MgCO₃-xMn₃O₄-Dy₂O₃-ZrO₂-SiO₂ (x=0-0.2 mol%) ceramics were successfully prepared by the traditional solid phase synthesis method, and sintered at 1320 ℃ in 1%H₂-99%N₂ mixed reducing atmosphere. According to the experimental results, the effect of Mn₃O₄ doping on nano-barium titanate ceramics is studied. It is found that Mn doping is beneficial to the increase dielectric constant and insulation resistivity of ceramic. The capacity temperature stability depends greatly on the doping amount of Mn. When x=0.05 mol%, high dielectric constant (ε=3267), good insulation resistivity (ρ_v=3.82×10¹¹ Ω·cm) and low dielectric loss (tanδ=1.03%) can be obtained, which meets X7R (-55-125 ℃, ΔC/C_{25 ℃} ≤ ±15%) standard and has a good application prospect of BME-MLCC.
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  High throughput fabrication of cell spheroids containing injectable fractal nanofiber sheets and their potential applications

  LIU Hongmei, SONG Yuheng, RUAN Qiqi, WANG Xuefen, FEI Xiang, ZHU Liping, ZHU Meifang

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3019-3024. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.004

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  Cell therapy harnesses the properties of living cells for the treatment and prevention of diseases, while 3D cell spheroids enhance therapeutic efficacy and support precision medicine. However, cellular heterogeneity is one of the clinical therapeutic challenges that cell spheroids face. The objective of this research is to address this shortcoming by integrating injectable fibrous materials within the cell spheroids during culture process. Utilizing techniques such as electrospinning and the process of interfacial crystallization, the work employed high-speed homogenization technology to successfully produce injectable fractal nanofiber sheets, which were then co-cultured with various cell types using a microwell array method. By optimizing the co-culture conditions, we developed a novel composite cell spheroid with high throughput. Compared to the control group, the fractal nanofiber sheets not only enhanced cell viability but also significantly prevented the heterogeneity of cells within the spheroids. This study offers a fresh perspective on the application of fiber-based injectable biomaterials and underscores the potential of composite cell spheroids in advancing regenerative medicine and personalized treatment strategies.
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  Research progress of liquid-like functionalized coatings in antifouling field

  WANG Yingke, SU Xuan, ZHANG Donghe, CHEN Shuai, ZHANG Zhibo, XU Jie

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3025-3037. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.005

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  Liquid-like functionalized coatings are highly flexible dynamic polymer molecular brushes covalently grafted on a solid substrate. Due to its extremely low glass transition temperature, usually below -100 ℃, it can rotate and move freely in air, exhibiting highly dynamic properties of fluids, showing low adhesion and easy sliding properties to various surface tension liquids, and exhibiting extremely low contact angle hysteresis. We introduced the preparation method of liquid-like dynamic molecular chains, the antifouling mechanism of liquid-like functionalized coatings and their antifouling applications in different fields, as well as their future prospects.
Review & Advanc
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  Progress of iridium-based catalysts in acidic oxygen precipitation reaction

  SONG Yanan, ZHANG Bingxin, LI Xiaojia, TIAN Lin, ZHANG Yong, WANG Huabin, XU Rui

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3038-3046. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.006

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  Hydrogen energy has become a strategic energy source for the primary development of major countries in the world, and the main methods of hydrogen production are hydrogen production from fossil energy, hydrogen production from industrial by-products and hydrogen production from electrolyzed water, among which hydrogen production from water electrolysis by proton exchange membrane (PEM) has a sizable future prospect for the development of hydrogen energy due to the advantages of zero-carbon emission and high purity of hydrogen production. Acidic oxygen precipitation reaction (OER) as the anode reaction of PEM, is one of the main reasons limiting the development of PEM due to its complex four-electron transfer process. To date, various electrocatalysts for acidic OER have been extensively studied, but iridium-based materials are still the most advanced acidic OER electrocatalysts due to their superior oxygen precipitation catalytic performance and effective improvement of water electrolysis efficiency. Therefore, the development of high-performance and low-cost iridium-based catalysts has become an important technology to promote the development of PEM. This paper reviews the classical adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM) and summarizes the development and optimization strategies of different iridium-based catalysts. Finally, an outlook on the future development direction of iridium-based catalysts in acidic OER is provided.
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  A review of laser cladding powders

  GAO Shilong, ZHU Menghao, SHI Jing

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3047-3057. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.007

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  As an emerging surface coating modification technology, laser cladding plays a vital role in the preparation of surface strengthening coatings and material modification. Cladding powder material is one of the key factors determining the performance of cladding layer, and has become the focus of laser cladding technology research. This paper first introduces the core principle of laser cladding technology, then elaborates the characteristics and research progress of cladding materials such as metal powder, ceramic powder and composite powder, and finally looks forward to the future development direction of laser cladding powder materials.
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  Progress in the applicationof biomimetic materials for lithium-ion batteries

  ZHAO Ning, YANG Sen, ZHENG Kang, ZHANG Shuaiqing, XU Shubo

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3058-3066. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.008

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  The electrode and separator biomimetic materials for lithium-ion batteries demonstrate the great potential for enhancing battery electrochemical performance due to their unique structures and outstanding capabilities. Despite the theoretical and technological exploration stage of biomimetic materials, this work reviews the progress and research trends in the application of biomimetic materials in the anode, cathode, and separator of lithium-ion batteries. The biomimetic materials possess distinctive properties, such as porosity, micro/nano-scale features, cross-linked networks, and self-assembly characteristics. These structural features not only provide additional storage space for lithium ions and enhance their migration rate but also effectively prevent the aggregation of nanometer-sized particles, thus mitigating the volume expansion of electrode during charge and discharge processes. Future research trends encompass the design of refined synthetic processes, the application of micro-nano manufacturing technologies, the development of active components in biomimetic materials, and the improvement of commercial utilization rates. The efforts in these areas are expected to propel the advancement of biomimetic materials for lithium-ion batteries, which in turn opens up new avenue for the battery technology.
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  Research on progress of cement-based absorbing materials

  ZHAO Tiejun, ZHANG Tingting, WAN Haitao, LI Zhihui, TIAN Qing, TIAN Linjie

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3067-3078. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.009

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  With the development of technology, the application of a large number of electronic devices has led to a sudden increase in electromagnetic radiation risks, posing a threat to information security, military security, and ecological security. Building absorbing materials can effectively reduce electromagnetic radiation hazards and are of great significance for the sustainable development of ecological civilization. This article takes cement-based absorbing materials as an example to summarize the current development status and research shortcomings of cement-based absorbing materials from the perspectives of the loss mechanism of electromagnetic waves by absorbing agents (resistance type, dielectric type, magnetic loss type) and the structure of cement matrix (layered, periodic, porous). It also looks forward to the future development direction of such materials, providing reference for the development of ideal absorbers.
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  Research progress of functional hydrogel dressings

  WEI Hui, WANG Weining, LIANG Jiachen, YE Qian, FAN Zengjie

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3079-3088. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.010

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  Because of its excellent biochemical and mechanical properties, hydrogels are widely used in the fields of drought resistance, fresh-keeping, moisture regulation, etc., and also have outstanding advantages in the field of wound dressings. Because of its good hydrophilicity, biocompatibility and three-dimensional porous structure similar to extracellular matrix, the research of hydrogel dressings has attracted much attention, and has gradually become functional and even intelligent. However, there is still lack of systematic elaboration on functional hydrogel dressings. This paper introduces different types of functional hydrogel dressings, puts forward the challenges faced by hydrogel dressings in the process of research and application, and looks forward to the development prospects of functional hydrogel dressings in the future.
Research & Developmen
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  Structure-activity relationship between the structure of biomass derived hard carbon and its sodium storage performance

  SONG Haowei, LIU Xianhao, LIU Dongxu, LIU Peng, GAO Mingzhu, DENG Jianqiu

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3089-3094. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.011

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  The effects of the composition, morphology, particle size and pore size distribution on the electrochemical properties of bagasse and corn straw derived hard carbon materials prepared by one-step carbonization were investigated. The results show that the hard carbon material derived from corn stalk has larger layer spacing, smaller pore diameter and smaller particle size, which shows better sodium storage performance. The corn straw hard carbon material showed excellent electrochemical properties at the current density of 50 mA/g, and its reversible capacity reached 274 mAh/g and a high ICE of 89%. A good capacity retention of 97% after 100 cycles. It is worth pointing out that the material also exhibits a reversible capacity of 217 mAh/g at 1 000 mA/g.
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  Carrier engineering in Bi₂Te₃-based thermoelectric materials

  MA Junjie, LIU Zhiyuan, MA Ni, LI Zhou, BA Qian, GUAN Xicheng, XIA Ailin

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3095-3105. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.012

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  Bi₂Te₃ alloy has high Seebeck coefficient and low thermal conductivity due to its narrow band gap and unique layered crystal structure, which has attracted much attention in low-temperature thermoelectric materials. However, the conversion efficiency of thermoelectric power generation or refrigeration devices made of Bi₂Te₃-based alloys is still low, so the improvement of the dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit zT of Bi₂Te₃-based materials is the key. The thermal conductivity of Bi₂Te₃-based materials can be significantly reduced by phonon engineering, such as nano-modification, superlattice structure, nanocomposite, doping and introduction of dislocation arrays, and the zT value can be significantly improved by optimizing the thermal transport properties. However, the electrical transport performance has not been significantly optimized. Carrier engineering is one of the important means to synergistically optimize the electrical and thermal transport properties of Bi₂Te₃-based materials. This paper mainly reviews the major research progress in recent years to improve the electrical transport properties of Bi₂Te₃-based materials through carrier engineering, such as band engineering, carrier energy filtering effect, carrier mobility and concentration optimization. These carrier engineering strategies are important means to improve the performance of thermoelectric materials and provide new research ideas for the development of efficient thermoelectric materials.
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  Platinum nanoparticles immobilized in ZIF-8 materials as catalysts for the photo hydrosilylation

  ZHANG Yushu, WU Shufang, MA Wenqiang, LI Zhiquan, LIU Xiaoxuan

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3106-3112. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.013

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  As one of the most important reaction types for the synthesis of organosilicon products, the selection and preparation of the catalysts in the hydrosilylation has been a hot topic for researchers. In this paper, a composite material with platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) immobilized in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-ZIFs) as a photocatalyst was synthesized and used to induce the hydrosilylation under UV-visible irradiation. The effect of the photosensitizer naphthalene as a co-catalyst on the reaction conversion was also investigated, and the results showed that both the conversion and the rate of the reaction increased significantly with the increase in the concentration of the photosensitizer. Then the effect of other factors on the reaction were also investigated, such as the light intensity and the amount of antrimethylsilyl-terminated polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) added. It found that an increase in the light intensity also had a significant enhancement of the reaction conversion, while the addition of PMHS in excess did not lead to an increase in the reaction conversion. In this work, the preparation of the platinum catalysts is successfully achieved by a simple method, which provides a new idea for the preparation of multiphase platinum catalysts.
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  Study on rheological properties and microscopic characteristics of waste oil recycled asphalt

  SUN Jishu, HE Yufeng, ZHANG Min, WANG Weiyang

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3113-3120. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.014

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  In order to verify the effects of waste engine oil and waste cooking oil composite regenerant on the rheological and microscopic properties of aged asphalt, the basic physical properties and 135 ℃ Brookfield viscosity recovery of aged asphalt with different amounts of waste oil regenerant were tested and studied. The optimal amount of regenerant was determined to be 10%. High-temperature rheological tests, multiple stress creep recovery tests, and low-temperature bending creep tests were conducted on 70# and 90# base asphalt, aged asphalt, and aged asphalt with the optimal amount of waste oil regenerant. The rheological properties and viscoelastic recovery of these 6 types of asphalt were evaluated. The results showed that the regenerated asphalt had better high-temperature deformation resistance than the base asphalt, and the low-temperature stress release ability of the regenerated asphalt was fully restored. The regeneration mechanism of aged asphalt was analyzed from a microscopic perspective using thermogravimetric tests and high-temperature gel chromatography tests. The results showed that the components of waste oil regenerant had good compatibility with asphalt, which could effectively increase the content of light components in aged asphalt and play a diluting and blending role for aged asphalt.
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  Sound absorption properties of metal hollow spheres composite structure

  AO Qingbo, WANG Jianzhong, FAN Yongxia, MA Jun

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3121-3125. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.015

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  In this paper, metal hollow spheres were used as raw materials and stacked into two typical structures, simple cubic and close-packed hexagonal, by adhesive method. The hollow spheres composite structure made by vacuum sintering. The sound absorption properties of the composite structures were tested in different thicknesses, cavity thicknesses, stacking methods, materials and diameter of the spheres. The influence of the structural parameters on the sound absorption performance were analyzed. The results showed that as the sample thickness increased from 5 mm to 20 mm, the first sound absorption peak appeared in the testing frequency range of 50-6400 Hz, and moved from the high frequency range to the mid-low frequency direction. Adding a cavity to the back of the sample could shift its sound absorption-frequency curve towards mid to low frequencies, and the thicker the cavity, the greater the distance of movement. The smaller the diameter of the hollow sphere, the better the sound absorption performance of the composite structure. When the preparation process, size and stacking method of hollow spheres were consistent, the effect of material on the sound absorption performance of composite structures was minimal. The composite structure stacked in close-packed hexagonal had better sound absorption performance and higher cost-effectiveness in the full frequency range compared to simple cubic structure.
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  Low-Cost and efficient anode materials for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline seawater electrolysis

  TANG Changbin, LI Zhigang, LIU Zilong, WANG Shihua, YU Lihua, XUE Juanqin, YIN Xiangyang

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3126-3133. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.016

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  Ti/TiN/(Mn_1-xMo_x)O_2+x-WC coated electrodes were fabricated by arc-spraying a TiN interlayer on a Ti substrate, followed by anodic composite electrodeposition with WC nanoparticles and Mo-doped MnO₂ surface layer. Compared with the conventional pyrolytic IrO₂ interlayer, the arc-sprayed TiN interlayer, as a low cost, simple and efficient coating, could effectively withstand the penetration of erosive mediators during the electrolysis process. There was a synergistic effect between WC with excellent electrical conductivity and Mo-doped MnO₂. These two contributions endowed the anodes with excellent selectivity and stability for oxygen evolution and chlorine suppression, thereby providing a new route for the development of low cost and high activity anode materials for hydrogen production from seawater electrolysis.
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  Characterization of TiO₂/graphene-based composites and photocatalytic degradation of VOCs

  QI Junhong, XU Lihui, CHEN Jiayang, WANG Liming, PAN Hong

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3134-3142. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.017

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  In this study, TiO₂/rGO composites were successfully prepared using titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and graphene oxide (GO) as raw materials by self-assembly solvent-thermal method. Scanning (SEM) observation of the composites revealed that the TiO₂ particles were uniformly dispersed on the flakes of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), forming a good contact interface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed that the TiO₂ had a anatase phase structure and the presence of rGO did not have a significant effect on the crystalline form of the TiO₂. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed that the electron transfers between TiO₂ and rGO occurred, which was favourable for improving the photocatalytic performance of the composites. In order to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂/rGO composites, pentaphenyltrial was selected as a model pollutant for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the experiments were carried out in a simulated in-vehicle environment. Different concentrations of VOCs (15-25 mg/m³) were used in the experiments, and the photocatalytic degradation tests were conducted under two light sources, 100 W incandescent lamp and 500 W xenon lamp. The experimental results showed that the degradation rates of VOCs by 15 wt% TiO₂/rGO-6h composites were 41.7%, 46.6%, and 65.3%, respectively, after irradiation with 100 W incandescent lamp for 480 min, while the degradation efficiencies were significantly increased to 51.33%, 72.89%, and 78.3% under 500 W xenon lamp. In contrast to the lower photocatalytic efficiency of pure TiO₂ under the same conditions, the TiO₂/rGO composites showed a significant improvement in photocatalytic activity and exhibited efficient and stable photocatalytic activity over a wide range of VOCs concentrations, especially under xenon lamp irradiation, and their photocatalytic performance was significantly superior to that of pure TiO₂.This work provides a new idea to solve the problem of VOCs pollution in vehicles and the atmosphere and lays a solid foundation for the further development of efficient photocatalyst materials.
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  Study on mechanical properties and modification mechanism of nickel-plated carbon fiber modified concrete

  LI Zongfang, ZHANG Fulin, CHEN Liang

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3143-3149. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.018

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  Compared with carbon fiber (CF), nickel-plated carbon fiber (Ni-CF) has better hydrophilicity, electrical conductivity and electromagnetic loss ability, which has a broader application prospect in concrete. The mechanical properties and dispersion of CF and Ni-CF are compared and analyzed, and Ni-CF is introduced into concrete to prepare nickel-plated carbon fiber modified concrete (Ni-CFMC). The strength and toughness of Ni-CFMC are tested, and the effect of Ni-CF on the mechanical properties of concrete is studied and compared with CF. The modification mechanism of Ni-CF is studied by SEM test. The results show that the mechanical properties of Ni-CF are better than that of CF. The surface of CF is smooth, while the surface of Ni-CF is rough, and the dispersion of Ni-CF is better than that of CF. Ni-CF can improve the strength and toughness of concrete, and the improvement effect of Ni-CF on the mechanical properties of concrete is better than CF. With the increase of Ni-CF content, the compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural-compressive strength ratio of Ni-CFMC first increase and then decrease. The optimal content of Ni-CF and CF is 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively. There are pores at the CF/ concrete matrix interface, while Ni-CF is well combined with concrete matrix. The Ni coating on the surface of Ni-CF can improve the mechanical biting force between Ni-CF and concrete matrix.
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  Cellulose/polyacrylamide composite separator and its performance in lithium metal batteries

  MA Zhiwei, ZOU Shufen, ZENG Rong, LIU Ying, WANG Lin, ZHANG Jiamin, NA Bing, LIU Hesheng

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3150-3157. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.019

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  The separator is a crucial component in lithium batteries. Commercially available polyolefin separators often suffer from poor electrolyte wettability and high-temperature shrinkage, which limits their suitability for the development of high-performance lithium batteries. In this study, a cellulose/polyacrylamide (d-CA/PAM) composite separator was prepared by in situ polymerization of acrylamide in a cellulose acetate (CA) solution, followed by synchronous phase separation and deacetylation. The d-CA/PAM separator exhibits high porosity (77.9%), excellent electrolyte uptake (273.0%), outstanding thermal stability (no shrinkage at 200 ℃), and a high ionic conductivity (1.51 mS/cm). The lithium metal batteries assembled with the d-CA/PAM separator demonstrate superior performance compared to polyolefin separators, showing a higher initial capacity (150.1 mAh/g vs. 143.0 mAh/g) and better cycling stability (capacity retention after 100 cycles 94.3% vs. 92.0%).
Process & Technology
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  Effect of vitamin C doping on the thermal and electrical conductivity of graphene fibres

  ZHANG Yuanjuan, SHEN Fuhua, ZHANG Lijun, XU Jinbo, LIN Huan

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3158-3164. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.020

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  With the rapid expansion of modern industry, national security, and technology, heat dissipation has become a major bottleneck in a variety of disciplines. This work employed transient electrothermal technology to investigate the thermal characteristics and electrical conductivity of graphene fibers decreased by various vitamin C concentrations. It was found that the thermal conductivity of GOFs was 0.61 W/(m·K) at room temperature and electrical conductivity was 115.55 S/m, the thermal conductivity of GFs was elevated to 1.34 W/(m·K) after 2wt% vitamin C reduction, and the electrical conductivity of the fibres was significantly elevated to 1 179.34 S/m after 1wt% vitamin C reduction. We investigated the thermal conduction mechanism of phonon scattering in graphene fibers and assessed the structural dimensions of graphene fibers before and after annealing using a thermal reffusivity model. The experimental results demonstrate that with the current thermal annealing procedure, the thermal conductivity of graphene fibers at RT improved by 417.16%, while the structural size increased by 0.55 times. This research can give a solid theoretical foundation and technical support for enhancing the thermal conductivity of graphene fibers.
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  Fabrication of inorganic acid-doped polyaniline films by the electrochemical method and study on their corrosion resistance

  FU Chao, ZHANG Yongqi, LI Lei, LIU Chang, ZHANG Hongxia

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3165-3171. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.021

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  Inorganic acids doped polyaniline films deposited on metal surface by electrochemical method can effectively enhance the corrosion resistance of metal. The types of doped inorganic acid and different electrochemical preparation methods significantly affect the structure and corrosion resistance of polyaniline films. Nitric acid, sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid doped polyaniline were synthesized by cyclic voltammetry and potentiostatic method on the surface of 304 stainless steel or ITO conductive glass using the three-electrode system of electrochemical workstation, respectively. The structures of the polyaniline were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. It can be concluded that the doped polyaniline film obtained by cyclic voltammetry in 0.5 mol/L sulfuric acid solution has the best corrosion resistance through the analysis of kinetic potential polarization curves and impedance spectra in the sulfuric acid solution, and the polyaniline doped with a mixture of sulfuric acid and nitric acid at a molar ratio of 4∶1 also possesses excellent metal corrosion protection properties, which are attributed to the morphology and structure of polyaniline films doped with different inorganic acids.
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  Effect of modified boron nitride on flameretardancy and thermal conductivity of styrene butadiene rubber composites

  YU Shiyuan, XU Wenzong, CHENG Pengfei

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3172-3180. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.022

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  Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) is commonly used in tires, conveyor belts and other products. However, due to its easy combustion and poor thermal conductivity, its application range is limited to a certain extent. In order to improve the flame retardancy and thermal conductivity of SBR, a new flame retardant (m-DPP-BN) was prepared by modifying the surface of boron nitride (BN) with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH-550) and diphenylphosphine chloride (DPP). The effects of m-DPP-BN and aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADP) on the flame retardancy, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of SBR composites were studied. The results showed that SBR composites containing 3 phr m-DPP-BN and 12 phr ADP had good thermal stability, and its limiting oxygen index (LOI) reached 28.4 %. Compared with pure SBR, its peak heat release rate (pHRR) and peak smoke release rate (pSPR) decreased by 59.2 % and 45.7 %, respectively, and its thermal conductivity reached 0.4012 W/(m·K). In addition, the flame retardant mechanism of SBR composites was studied by analyzing the residual carbon after combustion.
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  Properties optimization of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene composite film based on nanocellulose

  NING Haoyu, XIANG Wenting, LI Jianing, LIU Caiping, HE Jian

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3181-3187. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.023

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  Ti₃C₂T_x MXene flexible film is composed of metallic carbon/nitride stacked with two-dimensional layered structure, exhibiting excellent photothermal conversion performance. However, due to the intermolecular interaction between the MXene layers, the presence of water molecules is easy to reduce the binding force, thus affecting the stability of the flexible film. To solve the stability problem of MXene flexible film, the Ti₃C₂T_x MXene nanosheets with a certain thickness and surface rich in hydroxyl and other functional groups were obtained by using lithium fluoride and concentrated hydrochloric acid etching, combined with ultrasonic peeling, and a certain concentration of nanocellulose (CNC). Subsequently, the surface of the film was chemically modified with perfluorodecyl trimethoxysilane modifier, and the hydrophobic flexible film material with cellulose as the skeleton was obtained. The microstructure and surface functional groups of the composite film were systematically characterized, and then the mechanical properties were tested to determine the optimization of infiltration, photothermal and mechanical properties of the film by adding cellulose and hydrophobic modification. The results show that the maximum heating rate of the prepared composite film is 115 ℃/min, the contact Angle with water is 129.8°, the maximum tensile lifting rate can reach 157.95%, showing good photothermal, hydrophobic and mechanical properties.
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  Preparation of gadolinium oxysulfide with high purity by hydrothermal-reduction method and its process regulation

  LI Xiang, LUO Shifeng, WANG Nan, LIN Guojian, WANG Yan, YANG Xinyu, DENG Jialiang, ZHANG Jiuxing

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3188-3193. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.024

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  The effects of S/Gd atomic ratio, reduction temperature and reduction time on the purity of gadolinium oxysulfide (Gd₂O₂S) powder prepared by hydrothermal-reduction were systematically studied by orthogonal experiment in this paper. The XRD analysis results show that the reduction products consist of Gd₂O₂S and Gd₂O₃ phases when the S/Gd atom ratio is 0.7 or the reduction time is 32 h. While a pure Gd₂O₂S single phase is obtained when the S/Gd atomic ratio increases and the reduction time decreases. The results of orthogonal experiments indicate that the reduction time plays the dominant role in the purity of Gd₂O₂S powder, then following by the S/Gd atomic ration and the reduction temperature. The optimal parameters for preparing the pure Gd₂O₂S powders are as follows: the S/Gd atomic ratio of 0.9, reduction temperature of 725 °C, and reduction time of 24 h.
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  The influence of basalt fiber length on the mechanical properties and frost resistance of concrete

  HUANG Jiechao, CHEN Hongke

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3194-3201. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.025

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  Four different lengths (3, 6, 9, and 12 mm) of chopped basalt fibers were added to concrete, and the doping amount of the fibers was fixed. The influence of the length of chopped basalt fibers on the mechanical properties, microstructure, pore structure, and frost resistance of concrete was studied. The results indicated that chopped fibers had a relatively small inhibitory effect on the fluidity of concrete, and fibers with a length exceeding 6 mm were prone to aggregate and form fiber bundles in concrete, thereby reducing the fluidity of concrete and weakening the toughening effect of fibers on concrete. The compressive strength and flexural strength of concrete specimens doped with 6 mm fibers reached their maximum values, 46.8 and 8.8 MPa, respectively, exhibiting greater ductility and toughness. When the number of rapid freeze-thaw cycles reached 100, the quality loss rate of concrete doped with 6 mm fibers was the lowest, only 0.29%, and the relative dynamic elastic modulus was as high as 86.94%. Through CT scanning analysis, it was found that the minimum porosity of concrete doped with 6 mm fibers was only 0.62%, and the minimum average pore volume was 0.332 mm³. Overall, it can be concluded that basalt fibers with a length of 6 mm have the greatest effect on improving the mechanical properties and frost resistance of concrete.
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  Synthesis, structural characterization and effect of photophysical properties of two pyridine neutral iridium phosphorescent complexes

  YAN Caixian, HUANG Guangying, ZHANG Ke, HOU Wenming, CHANG Qiaowen

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3202-3207. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.026

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  In this paper, 2-phenylpyridine (ppy) was selected as the main ligand and 2, 6-dimethyl-3, 5-heptadione (tmacac) and 2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethyl-3, 5-heptadione (dmacac) as the auxiliary ligand, respectively. Two novel neutral iridium (Ⅲ) complexes Ir(ppy)₂(dmacac) and Ir(ppy)₂(tmacac) were designed and synthesized. Their compositions and chemical structures were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Their photophysical properties were studied by UV-VIS spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy, and their electrochemical properties and thermal stability were compared. The results show that they have good thermal stability, the maximum emission wavelength is 523 nm and 533 nm, and the luminous color changes from green to yellow-green.
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  Preparation and properties of cellulose nanocrystal reinforced polyacrylamide composite conductive hydrogels

  XIE Junlong, ZHONG Yuwei, ZHANG Shitong, CAI Shaojun

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3208-3213. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.027

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  P(AM-co-AMPSLi) composite conductive hydrogels were prepared by copolymerization of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid lithium (AMPSLi) and AM. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were selected as the reinforcement phase to improve the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. The structure, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity and microstructure of the composite hydrogels were measured and studied. The results showed that the hydrogen bond between CNC and P(AM-co-AMPSLi) hydrogels could significantly improve the comprehensive mechanical properties of hydrogels. The electrical conductivity of 3%CNC/P(AM-co-5%AMPSLi) composite hydrogel (0.65 S/m) and the comprehensive mechanical properties were the best (the maximum load and tensile strength of 0.473 N and 30.37 kPa, respectively). The tensile strength was 420% higher than that of the copolymer hydrogel without CNC.
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  Preparation and properties of micron-silicon microspheres and their derived composites

  YU Mengnan, HAN Jing, GUO Ting, YU Zhong, WAN Yi

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3214-3224. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.028

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  Mesoporous micron-SiO₂ have a wide range of applications in industrial fields such as adsorption, electronics and cosmetics due to their good monodisperse, large specific surface areas and light diffuse reflection, while the preparation of SiO₂ microspheres larger than 20 μm remains great challenges. Monodispersed SiO₂ microspheres with an average size of 41.8 μm were successfully prepared by Pickering emulsion method with SiO₂ as emulsifier synthesized by optimizing the water-ethanol ratio of Stöber method followed by hydrophobic modification. SEM images showed that micron-SiO₂ have cracks on the surface and are filled with a large number of porous nano-SiO₂ spheres inside. Nitrogen absorption-desorption isotherms demonstrated their mesoporous structures and the surface area of broken microspheres increased to 369.47 m²/g after calcination at 550 ℃. Mesoporous SiO₂ exhibited selective adsorption of different types of dyes before and after calcination. Compared with Ni/Fe metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous SiO₂ (after calcination) composite with Ni/Fe-MOFs as modified electrodes for electrochemical detection of dopamine displayed good anti-interference ability and electrochemical properties with the oxidation peak current increased by 561.3%, the sensitivity increased by 51.0%, and the detection limit of 0.08 μmol/L increased remarkably by 1172.9%.
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  The effects of the sodium hexametaphosphate concentration on the structure and properties of the micro-arc oxidation coatings

  CHEN Zejun, PENG Shuaiwu, SUN Yonghua, PEI Sen, HANG Ruiqiang, YAO Xiaohong

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3225-3230. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.029

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  The surface of the 6061 Al alloy was treated with a compound ceramic layer using micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technology. The influence on the structure and performance of the ceramic layer was investigated by different concentrations of (NaPO₃)₆. Using SEM, X-ray diffractometer, surface profile, friction and abrasion tests, and electrochemistry tests to examine the structure and properties of the MAO layer. The results demonstrated that the thickness of the ceramic layer increased in conjunction with an elevation in the concentration of (NaPO₃)₆ within the electrolyte. The ceramic layer attained a thickness of 8.7 μm when the concentration of (NaPO₃)₆ was 15 g/L. The ceramic layer was mainly composed of γ-Al₂O₃ and α-Al₂O₃. The ceramic layer's corrosion resistance and friction wear performance increased with sodium hexametaphosphate concentration. The specific wear rate decreased from 2.554×10^-2 mm³(N·m) of the 6061 aluminum alloy to 2.316×10^-3 mm³(N·m) of the M-15. The self-corrosion current notably declined from 1.335×10^-5 A/cm² for the 6061 aluminum alloy to 3.232×10^-8 A/cm² for M-15.
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  Study on the synthesis and properties of Iridium phosphor materials with quinoline formic acid as the auxiliary ligand

  ZHANG Ke, HUANG Guangying, CHEN Zhu’an, YAN Caixian, QIAN Yufei, CHANG Qiaowen

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(3): 3231-3236. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.03.030

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  Iridium phosphorescent materials are the most outstanding metal-organic luminescent materials due to their high luminescence efficiency, excellent thermal stability, and tunable emission colors, etc. In this study, two iridium phosphorescent materials were successful synthesized using 2,4-difluorophenylpyridine as the main ligand quinoline-2-carboxylic acid (Ir1) and isoquinoline-2-acid (Ir2) as ancillary ligands, respectively. The chemical and spatial structures of the materials were fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The photo-physical properties and electrochemical properties of the materials were studied using UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. And the thermal stability of the materials was tested by thermal analysis. The results indicated that the two iridium phosphorescent materials exhibit slightly distorted octahedral configurations and good thermal stability, with decomposition temperatures above 350 ℃(5% weight loss). Both materials have similar absorption characteristics, however, compared to materials with quinolone formic acid as the ancillary ligand, the iridium phosphorescent material formed with isoquinolone formic acid as the ancillary ligand exhibits a reduced energy gap and a red-shifted emission wavelength of 15 nm. The emission wavelengths of Ir1 and Ir2 are 598 nm and 583 nm, respectively, making them potential orange-light materials with promising applications in OLED lighting.