30 September 2025, Volume 56 Issue 9

    

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Focuses & Concerns
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  Preparation and photothermal oil absorption performance study of Fe-based carbon nanotube/graphene aerogele

  ZHANG Yingbo, LIU Huie, GUO Qilin, YANG Fan, GUO Shi

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9001-9008. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.001

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  Offshore heavy oil leakage causes serious environmental and economic losses. Adsorption method has a good application prospect for offshore oil leakage treatment, but the treatment of heavy oil with high viscosity is still a difficult problem. To solve the above problems, viscosity lowering for heavy oil through solar thermal porous adsorbents shows promising prospect. This study employs Fe nanoparticles as catalysts for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and uses chemical vapor deposition to prepare Fe-based carbon nanotube/graphene aerogels (Fe-CNTs/RGA). For comparison, carbon nanotubes/polyvinylpyrrolidone/graphene aerogel (CNTs/PVP/RGA) was prepared by ice template method. The materials were characterized through methods such as SEM, Raman, FT-IR, etc. The results showed that the optimum conditions for the preparation of Fe-CNTs/RGA were growth temperature of 800 ℃ and growth time of 120 min. Compared with the CNTs/PVP/RGA materials prepared by mechanical compounding, Fe-CNTs/RGA showed excellent photothermal properties, with an average full solar spectra absorbance of 93.62%, and a temperature gradient of 33.24 K/cm in the air. The temperature of the top surface and the oil-aerogel interface of Fe-CNTs/RGA reached 110.7 and 60.7 ℃, respectively, and the adsorption rate on heavy oil reached 0.0397 g/(cm²·min) when the heavy oil was adsorbed under 1 sun illumination.
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  High-performance electromagnetic wave absorbing applications of hollow CB/SiO₂ microspheres

  LI Yaru, ZHANG Yang, ZHANG Siqi, ZHANG Xiaozhe, ZHOU Yihui, ZHU Liping, ZHU Meifang

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9009-9016. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.002

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  With the increasingly severe pollution and impacts of electromagnetic radiation in industrial, civil, and military fields, there is an urgent need to develop high-performance lightweight electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials. In this study, expanded polystyrene (EPS) microspheres were used as templates. Through a layer-by-layer coating method, EPS microspheres were successively encapsulated with an absorption layer and an insula-ting layer, and then high-temperature treated to melt EPS and obtain the hollow-structured CB/SiO₂ microspheres (H-CSi) as electromagnetic wave-absorbing fillers. The structural design of the internal conductive cavity could significantly enhance the dissipation of electromagnetic waves. The presence of the insulating encapsulation layer could effectively prevent the formation of a large-scale continuous conduction current inside the composite material, thus achieving excellent impedance matching and a synergistic effect of multiple losses. The research results show that when the thickness of this electromagnetic wave-absorbing filler is 2.9 mm, an electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of -59.81 dB is achieved at a frequency of 15.52 GHz. When the thickness reaches 3.45 mm, the effective absorption rate of electromagnetic waves is greater than 90% (i.e., R_L≤-10 dB), and the total effective absorption bandwidth is 9.04 GHz, with the frequency range covering 8.88-17.92 GHz. This study opens up new ideas for the structural design and large-scale application of electromagnetic wave protection materials and is expected to promote technological development in related fields.
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  Study on high barrier anti-UV functional coating of polyvinyl alcohol/polylysine/vanillin derivatives

  ZHOU Jing, WANG Jun, DUAN Fang

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9017-9023. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.003

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  To develop polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coatings with high oxygen barrier efficiency and ultraviolet (UV) resistance, a vanillin derivative (Van-G) was synthesized via Schiff base reaction and incorporated into a PVA matrix with ε-polylysine (PL) to fabricate PVA/PL/Van-G composite-coated PE films. The microstructure of the composite coating was characterized by FT-IR, DSC, XRD, and SEM, while the coated PE films were evaluated for adhesion, optical properties, wettability, barrier performance, and mechanical strength. Results demonstrated strong adhesion between the composite coating and PE substrate. At 30wt% Van-G loading, the coated PE film achieved a UV protection factor (UPF) exceeding 109.59, exhibiting exceptional UV shielding and transparency. The dense coating structure enhanced the oxygen barrier properties, reducing the oxygen permeability coefficient to 2.80×10^-17 cm³·cm/(cm²·s·Pa), which was 39.66% lower than that of pure PVA. This PE modified coating material has both good UV protection and gas blocking function, and can be used as a candidate material for high performance food packaging.
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  Preparation of AgCl/α-FeOOH@FAZ composite nanomaterials and study of their photocatalytic performance

  QU Xuan, TIAN Xin, SHI Huixian

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9024-9031. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.004

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  Despite AgCl’s favorable properties such as efficient visible light absorption and photosensitivity, its susceptibility to photo-corrosion poses a challenge. Consequently, by proposing the construction of a heterojunction between AgCl and α-FeOOH, and subsequent loading onto Al-FAZ-41 mesoporous molecular sieves, stability and light utilization efficiency were enhanced. The AgCl/α-FeOOH@FAZ composite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method and chemical precipitation, followed by a detailed characterization. The results indicate that this composite exhibits superior photocatalytic performance in the degradation of phenol and other phenol-containing pollutants. Furthermore, by utilizing fly ash, a low-cost and environmentally friendly source of Si and Al, the study achieves the valorization of coal combustion waste. This research provides novel insights and methodologies for the application of AgCl-based photocatalysts in wastewater treatment.
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  Study on polyvinylpyrrolidone modified titanium dioxide based photovoltaic glass and its self-cleaning properties

  WANG Xinluan, REN Lu, MENG Dan, HUANG Wencheng, NI Jia, BAO Tian, HE Meng

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9032-9039. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.005

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  Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with different mass fractions were added to the TiO₂ sol and wrapped around the surface of TiO₂ particles. Pores are created by thermal decomposition of PVP, while PVP can strengthen the bonding between the TiO₂ film layer and the SiO₂ film layer on the PV glass surface. By enhancing the photocatalytic and self-cleaning properties of TiO₂ sol through this modification method, TiO₂-based photovoltaic glasses with both hydrophilic and photocatalytic properties were prepared. X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis-Abs), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), contact angle tester, atomic force microscope (AFM), and electrochemical workstation were used to characterize and analyze the samples' crystalline phase composition, surface morphology, transmittance, chemical bonding characteristics, hydrophilicity, surface roughness, and corrosion resistance, respectively. Crystalline violet (CV) was used as a simulated pollutant to study the photocatalytic degradation performance of the samples. By comparing the characterization results of TiO₂-based photovoltaic glasses modified with different contents of PVP, we found that CG-6 with the highest content of PVP showed the best performance in all the characterization and performance tests. The TiO₂ film layer on the surface of CG-6 was denser and the degradation of the CV dye was as high as 92% in 6 h. It also showed a better stability in the recycling of the degradation of the CV dye solution. In addition, the surface contact angle measurement revealed that the CG-6 sample surface possessed a smaller contact angle, which was as low as about 20° before light exposure. In the dust accumulation test, CG-6 showed 6.42% less dust adhesion than empty photovoltaic (PV) glass (PG), with a smaller amount of adhesion. AFM analysis of CG-6 samples showed higher surface roughness. The EIS impedance and Tafel showed that the CG-6 sample had the highest photogenerated carrier separation efficiency with a corrosion potential of up to 0.048 V.
Review & Advance
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  Research progress of biomass extruded foam composites

  ALIDAN Ruzahong, WU Rongfeng, ZHANG Xiarong, WEI Siyu, WANG Yanbin, SU Qiong, SHEN Tao, ZHAO Libin

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9040-9048. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.006

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  The global concern for environmental protection and green development continues climbing. Biomass extrusion foaming composites as environmentally friendly materials have attracted much attention. Biomass and thermoplastic polymers as raw materials are renewable and recyclable, and the application properties of the product can be optimized through appropriate processes and additives, so it is a new type of material for sustainable development. This paper introduces the impact of the extrusion foaming process on the performance and application of composites, focusing on comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the molding equipment, including single-screw extruder, and twin-screw extrusion, and summarizes the composition of extrusion foaming formulations, that is, the addition of blowing agents, nucleating agents, plasticizers, cross-linking agents, etc. The optimization of the material properties, and the application of biomass-extruded foaming composites in the packaging and construction industries are reviewed in detail.
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  Advances in thepreparation of smart responsive chitosan-based nanohydrogels and their application in functional ingredient delivery

  CHEN Jiali, CHEN Zebing, KUANG Yi, QI Yiyu, RAO Qingqing, YANG Shengxiang

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9049-9065. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.007

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  As a natural high molecular polysaccharide, chitosan exhibits excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and various physiological functions such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal carrier for drug transmembrane delivery. Smart-responsive nanogels have attracted extensive attention in drug delivery due to their remarkable environmentally responsive controlled-release properties, dimensional stability, and high drug-loading capacity. This article introduces the preparation methods and controlled-release mechanisms of smart-responsive chitosan-based nanogels, comprehensively summarizes the latest research progress in smart-responsive chitosan-based nanogels, and reviews their current applications in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and food. Additionally, it addresses the limitations of smart-responsive chitosan-based nanogels in drug delivery systems (such as poor controllability, insufficient responsiveness, and unavoidable sustained release) and provides an outlook on their future development directions.
esearch & Development
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  Construction of corn cob biochar-supported nano-zero-valent ferroelectric Fenton system

  LING Xiaohui, CHENG Wenwen, CHEN Yangyang, LI Wei, WEI Chao, ZHANG Yun, WANG Yibo

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9066-9073. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.008

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  To address the limitations of the narrow pH application range of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and to enhance the resource utilization of corn cob, this study employed hydrothermal carbonization of corn cob to produce biochar (BC) as a carrier for nZVI modification. BC@nZVI composite cathode materials were synthesized via liquid-phase reduction and a heterogeneous electro-Fenton system was established utilizing these BC@nZVI composite cathode materials. Through SEM, IR, XPS and XRD characterization of BC@nZVI composite cathode material, it was found that there were nano zero-valent iron attached to biochar, which was uniformly distributed and not easy to agglomerate. Experimental results indicated that the BC@nZVI heterogeneous electro-Fenton system exhibited optimal performance for removing reactive red X-3B at a solution pH of 3, with a current density set at 200 mA, a Fe/C mass ratio of 2∶1, and an inter-electrode distance of 3 cm, achieving a removal rate of 97.73%. The removal efficiency remained above 95% within the pH range of 3-5, exceeded 72% between pH values of 6-7, and reached 63.79% at pH=9. Repeated experiments demonstrated that after five cycles of reuse, the BC@nZVI composite cathode materials maintained over 90% removal efficiency, indicating excellent recyclability. Through the experimental study on the degradation of reactive red X-3B by the heterogeneous electro-Fenton system, it was found that H₂O₂ was generated in situ during the operation of the system, with the highest concentration reaching 281 μmol/L, and the degradation process conformed to the second-order kinetic model, with its kinetic constant being 0.0023 L/(mg·min).
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  Study on the photodegradation properties of Na-doped GeO₂ nanopowder

  LIN Caizong, RUAN Zhilin, LIU Siyin, HU Xueping, WU Wenjing, ZHAO Shihua, ZOU Xu

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9074-9081. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.009

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  Alkali metal doping is an effective method to improve the performance of semiconductor materials. Using GeO₂ as raw material, the element Na is doped into GeO₂ nanopowder through a grinding-annealing process, exploring the photodegradation to wastewater and its photoelectrical performance. The result shows that the Na element fully doped into GeO₂ nanoparticles will cause the GeO₂ crystal structure to transform from α-quartz phase to rutile phase at a lower temperature and cause crystal defects. SEM indicates that the surface of the Na-doped GeO₂ sample exhibits porosity but poor dispersion. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared samples was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) as the target pollutant. The results show that the doping of Na element is extremely beneficial to improving the performance of GeO₂ catalyst in degrading MB. The degradation reaction conforms to the first-order reaction kinetic model. The optimal loading amount of Na element is 8%, and the degradation efficiency can be as high as 92.36%. Finally, the reaction mechanism of photocatalytic photodegradation was discussed and analyzed, and it was concluded that the main active substances for degrading dye molecules were the hydroxyl radicals (·OH) produced by oxidation, which were generated from adsorbed water or adsorbed OH^- produced by the surface of GeO₂ doped with Na.
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  Study on the heavy metal adsorption performance of hollow spherical manganese oxide

  YAN Qiaozhi, LI Kunyuan, CHANG Jixuan, YAO Mingchang, YUAN Jianlong, ZHENG Yutao, LU Changyu, HAO Xinli

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9082-9091. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.010

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  Six types of hollow spherical manganese oxide (MnO_x) composites with different proportions were prepared by controlling reaction temperature and adding order of raw materials using manganese carbonate template method. The composition and structural of the MnO_x were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The adsorption properties of these materials for heavy metals Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in simulated wastewater were tested. The experimental results showed that these materials have a strong adsorption capacity for heavy metal ions in water, and the adsorption capacity for different heavy metals is different. The adsorption capacity of Pb²⁺ is up to 144.6 mg/g, while that of Cd²⁺ is up to 47 mg/g.
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  Study on photocatalytic performance of TiO₂ concrete after single-sided freeze-thaw

  ZHAO Yanru, LIU Xingyuan, GUAN He, ZHANG Jianxin

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9092-9102. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.011

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  In this paper, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of nano-TiO₂ concrete after freeze-thaw cycles was studied. The effects of different nano-TiO₂ content, illumination time and freeze-thaw on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of concrete were investigated by single-sided freeze-thaw cycle test, NMR pore structure test and photocatalytic test. The correlation degree was determined by grey entropy correlation method and the grey neural network prediction model was established to predict the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of TiO₂ concrete after freeze-thaw cycle. The results show that the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of nano-TiO₂ concrete specimens increases with the increase of illumination time and TiO₂ content, and decreases with the increase of freeze-thaw times. It is negatively correlated with the proportion of micropores and macropores, positively correlated with mesopores, and has no obvious correlation with cracks. The decrease of salt freezing is more significant than that of water freezing. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 6 % TiO₂ concrete under UV irradiation for 4 h under water freezing is the best. Under water freezing and salt freezing, the influence of test conditions decreases in the order of TiO₂ content > freeze-thaw times, while that of pore structure parameters follows the order of bound water saturation > free water saturation > porosity to reduce and that of pore size distribution is in a descending order of mesopore > micropore > macropore. The grey BP neural network model is suitable for prediction. The model has high prediction accuracy and good stability, and is more suitable for the prediction of photocatalytic degradation efficiency of nano-TiO₂ concrete.
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  Preparation and investigation of electromagnetic wave absorption properties of 3D copper oxide/expanded graphite composites

  WANG Shen, WEN Bo, XIAO Jiyuan, LIU Xiaofeng, YANG Guorui, DING Shujiang

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9103-9110. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.012

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  This study utilized an improved chemical oxidation method combined with thermal reduction to synthesize expanded graphite featuring a distinctive honeycomb-like porous structure. Through a simple process involving mechanical ball milling and calcination, hollow copper oxide/expanded graphite composites with a three-dimensional conductive networkwere successfully fabricated. The morphology, microstructure, and electromagnetic properties of the composites were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, and BET analyses. The honeycomb-like porous structure of EG enhances electromagnetic wave reflection and scattering, facilitates electron transfer, and promotes defect polarization. The incorporation of hollow copper oxide nanoparticles effectively regulates the electrical conductivity and polarization loss of the carbon material, achieving impedance matching and significantly improving electromagnetic wave absorption. Moreover, fine-tuning the copper oxide content allows precise control over interfacial interactions, defects, and polarization behavior, further enhancing wave attenuation capabilities. Results indicate that the CuO/EG-3 composite exhibits exceptional electromagnetic wave absorption performance with a low filler content of 20% and a thickness of 2.9 mm. It achieves a minimum reflection loss of -71.93 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 3.52 GHz, covering the entire C, X, and Ku bands. This study provides crucial insights for the design and development of high-performance carbon-based electromagnetic wave absorbers.
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  Preparation ofacylimide tetrazole polymers and Ag⁺ probe research

  LI Jiayan, XU Hongyao, GUANG Shanyi

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9111-9118. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.013

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  A functional imidotetrazole polymer probe was prepared by using 4,4-diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA), self-made 4,4-1h-tetrazol-1,5-diphenyl-diphenylamine and bisphenol A diether dianhydride (BPADA) copolymerized in N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) at a certain molar ratio. The probe can specifically recognize Ag⁺ in DMF solution and combine with Ag⁺ to form a coordination polymer. The structure of the polymer was characterized by FT-IR and its properties were analyzed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The experimental results show that after adding Ag⁺ to the probe, its ultraviolet absorption shifts from 420 nm to 465 nm, and its absorption intensity decreases relatively, with the solution changing from light purple to gray blue. It is shown that the introduction of tetrazole group makes the polymer have the response characteristics to metal ions, and it is a new polymer probe.
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  Study on the performance of TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ composite photocatalyst in the degradation of ofloxacin

  WAN Hangjiang, SHI Jing, YUAN Yukang, TANG Zijian, ZHANG Qing, LI Xi, ZHANG Xiao, YU Peng

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9119-9125. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.014

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  In an attempt to address the inherent drawback of the low separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs within graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ composite materials were synthesized. The morphological structures and photoelectrochemical characteristics of these composites were analyzed, and the performance and mechanism underlying their photocatalytic degradation of ofloxacin (OFL) were explored. The findings revealed that the formation of the composite heterojunction remarkably augmented the photocatalytic degradation capacity for OFL by restraining the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, with a maximum removal rate of 84% of OFL achieved within 120 minutes. The free radical quenching experiment indicated that h⁺ was the predominant active species, and the potential degradation intermediates and pathways of OFL under the influence of the active species in the system were postulated. Additionally, the composite materials exhibited favorable stability and reusability.
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  Preparation of magnesium iron talc and its adsorption performance and mechanism for malachite green

  LI Mengfan, REN Jie, WANG Lei, WANG Xudong

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9126-9136. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.015

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  Malachite green(MG) is a typical triphenylmethane dye that is difficult to degrade in water and poses a persistent threat to the ecological environment and human health. This article uses the co precipitation method to prepare environmentally friendly magnesium iron talc(MgFe-LDH), and characterizes MgFe-LDH prepared with different Mg/Fe molar ratios using SEM, XRD, FT-IR, etc. The characterization analysis results show that MgFe-LDH is a typical layered structure with stacked layers, and the interlayer spacing increases with increasing Mg/Fe molar ratio. Using MG aqueous solution to simulate wastewater, the effects of factors such as pH, initial concentration of pollutants, and adsorbent dosage on adsorption is investigated. The MgFe-LDH prepared with the optimal Mg/Fe molar ratio achieves a removal rate of 99% for low concentration MG within 120 min and over 90% for high concentration MG within 180 min. Dynamics and isotherm analysis indicate that the adsorption process of MgFe-LDH on MG follows the quasi first order kinetic model(R²>0.99) and Langmuir isotherm model(R²=0.9968). The adsorption process of MG by MgFe-LDH may involve hydrogen bonding, weak n-π interactions, metal oxygen coordination with dyes in MgFe-LDH, and pore filling mechanisms. After 5 cycles of adsorption regeneration experiments, MgFe-LDH can still maintain a removal rate of 64% and has good stability. And it can also achieve simultaneous adsorption in mixed dye wastewater containing anions and cations, with strong applicability and suitable for practical applications.
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  Preparation and performance evaluation of g-C₃N₄/MnCoNiCuZn(C) composite photocatalyst

  MA Boyang, GUO Ruihua, WANG Zhigang, WUREN Tuoya, AN Shengli, LIU Yuanyuan

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9137-9146. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.016

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  In this study, a composite heterojunction photocatalyst composed of non-noble metal high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with different mass ratios and g-C₃N₄ was successfully prepared via the sol-gel method combined with high-temperature calcination. The microscopic morphology and photocatalytic performance of these catalysts were systematically characterized. The results revealed that when the mass ratio of HEAs to g-C₃N₄ was 1∶1, the as-prepared catalyst exhibited the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency. Under visible-light irradiation, its degradation rate toward the target pollutant reached 68.24%, which was 44.78% higher than that of pure g-C₃N₄. Notably, this catalyst displayed the lowest fluorescence intensity in time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TRFL) measurements, indicating the most effective inhibition of photogenerated electron-hole pair recombination. The incorporation of high-entropy alloys into g-C₃N₄ remarkably enhances the light absorption intensity, which effectively suppresses the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Additionally, the composite exhibits excellent cyclic stability in the durability tests.
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  Preparation and properties of CdS thin films for solar cells by chemical water bath deposition method

  GUO Xiaojie, CHENG Yufei

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9147-9154. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.017

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  CdS thin films were prepared by chemical water bath deposition method in a solution system of cadmium chloride, thiourea, and ammonia water. The influence of deposition temperature on the phase structure, microscopic appearance and optical properties of CdS thin films was studied by characterization methods such as XRD, UV-Vis, SEM, EDS and XPS. Thin film solar cells were assembled based on this thin film, and the effect of CdS thin films on the photovoltaic performance of battery devices at different deposition temperatures was investigated. The results showed that the prepared thin films had a hexagonal wurtzite structure, with high crystallinity of CdS. Cd and S existed in stable states of +2 and -2 valence, respectively. The CdS films deposited at 70 ℃ exhibited the strongest light absorption in the range of 320-520 nm, with uniform grain size distribution and tightly packed structure, presenting a columnar growth mode. The CdS thin films interface deposited at 70 ℃ had efficient charge separation and collection capabilities, and the assembled thin film solar cells had the best photovoltaic performance. Its average V_oc, J_sc, FF and PCE had all reached their maximum values, which were 383.5 mV, 29.75 mA/cm², 54.92% and 6.6%, respectively. When the deposition temperature rose to 80 ℃, the interface recombination loss of CdS thin films intensified, the crystallinity deteriorated, and the corresponding photovoltaic performance of thin film solar cells decreased. Therefore, 70 ℃ was the critical point for optimizing the deposition temperature of CdS thin films.
Process& Technology
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  Study on the preparation and mechanical properties of glass fiber composite building energy-saving insulation mortar

  HU Xiaowen, MEI Fajun

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9155-9162. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.018

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  A glass fiber composite building energy-saving insulation mortar was prepared using redispersible latex powder and glass fiber as additives. The influence of glass fiber length on the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and insulation performance of the insulation mortar was studied. The results showed that increasing the length of glass fibers helped to increase the dry density of mortar, and reduce the slump expansion of mortar. The compressive strength and flexural strength of insulation mortar showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the increase of fiber length. When the length of fiberglass was 9 mm, the fibers could form a dense mesh support structure in the mortar matrix. The compressive strength and flexural strength of the insulation mortar reached their maximum values, which were 68.88 and 17.58 MPa,respectively. The final crack impact frequency of this sample reached 424 times at 28 d, which was 631.03% higher than that of mortar without doped glass fiber. When the GF-9 mm specimen was simulated to corrode in seawater for 180 d, the compressive strength and flexural strength of the insulation mortar remained at 68.34 and 16.33 MPa respectively. The minimum thermal conductivity of the GF-9 mm specimen was only 0.06 W/(m·k), indicating excellent insulation performance and mechanical properties.
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  Research on the preparation and performance of solid waste-based ultra-high performance concrete

  MING Yang, REN Hao, LI Ling, QU Xinming, HUANG Xingqi, CHEN Feixiang, ZHANG Xin, YAO Dayou, ZHENG Quanxing, ZHU Xueqin

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9163-9170. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.019

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  Based on the theory of closest packing, this study utilizes water quenching manganese slag, fly ash, steel slag and desulfurization gypsum to prepare multifaceted solid waste ultrafine highly active mineral admixtures, which partially replace cement or silica fume for the preparation of ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC). The effects of different factors on the properties of UHPC were investigated through the optimized design of particle distribution of cementitious materials and aggregates by the modified Andreasen & Andersen (MAA) model combined with the L₁₆(5⁴) orthogonal test system. The results showed that the optimal ratio verified by the MAA model design and orthogonal test was 6% silica fume dosing in cementitious material, 16% doping in admixture, 0.17 water-cement ratio, 1.1 binder-sand ratio, 70% proportion of 20-40 mesh quartz sand in aggregate, 2% doping of steel fiber, and 1.4% doping of water reducer. Under this proportion, the fluidity of UHPC was 281.2 mm, the flexural strength reached 34.9 MPa, the compressive strength reached 146.9 MPa, and the 56-day electrical flux was 62.9 C. The results of the orthogonal test coincided with the calculations of the MAA model, which verified the applicability of the model and the feasibility of replacing part of the cement or silica fume by the solid-waste-based admixtures. This study provides theoretical support and technical reference for the low-carbon and environmentally friendly preparation of UHPC.
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  Preparation of chitosan composite membrane and its adsorption test of Cu²⁺ in water

  XIAO Yangyang, LIU Zhiming, WANG Haiying

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9171-9177. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.020

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  Ten percent (based on chitosan) of wood vinegar, fennel extract, wood vinegar and fennel extract compound (the mass ratio of wood vinegar to fennel extract is 1∶1) were added to chitosan to the film-forming solution. In this step, chitosan and wood vinegar compound membrane M1, chitosan and fennel extract composite membrane M2, chitosan and wood vinegar fennel extract compound membrane M3 and chitosan membrane CS were obtained. The structure,mechanical properties and adsorption properties of the composite films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), X-ray diffraction(XRD), mechanical property test, and Cu²⁺adsorption performance test. The results showed that the chitosan of wood vinegar and fennel extract had good compatibility, and they could break the hydrogen bonds between chitosan molecules and form intermolecular interactions with chitosan. Adding wood vinegar and fennel extract to the chitosan membrane would enhance the mechanical properties and adsorption properties of the films. The tensile strengths of CS, M1, M2 and M3 were (10.87±0.84),(24.87±2.6),(16.11±2.1),(12.90±1.79) MPa. The elongation at break of the four films were (17.38±0.77)%, (28.66±2.37)%, (30.90±2.22)% and (33.86±3.69)%.The adsorption capacity of CS, M1, M2 and M3 increased gradually with the increase of the initial concentration of Cu^2+, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 316.44, 341.68, 357.03 and 329.18 mg/g at 10 g/L. With the increase of adsorption time, the adsorption capacity first increased and then tended to the equilibrium state, and the equilibrium adsorption capacity was 310.18, 338.68, 352.03and 332.44 mg/g at 240-300 min. The adsorption capacity for Cu²⁺ was M2>M1>M3>CS. The fitting results of the adsorption kinetic model showed that the adsorption process of Cu²⁺by four types of the composite film was in line with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the adsorption process was chemisorption. The research results can lay a foundation for the application of chitosan composite membrane in the field of Cu²⁺treatment of industrial wastewater.
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  Study on frost resistance and microscopic mechanism of recycled concrete with basalt fiber iron tailings

  JIN Shengji, MA Wenpeng, YANG Yuhao, LIU Kailing, CHEN Canlong

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9178-9187. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.021

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  In order to improve the recovery and utilization rate of construction waste and iron tailings, the effects of iron tailings and basalt fiber on the frost resistance of recycled concrete were studied. The surface freeze-thaw damage, mass loss rate and strength loss rate of recycled concrete were used as evaluation indexes. The microstructure of recycled concrete was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that adding basalt fiber to recycled concrete can improve its freezing-thawing resistance, and the content of basalt fiber has a great influence on it. In this test, the specimens with fiber content of 0.1% and length of 18 mm have the lowest freezing-thawing strength loss rate. Iron tailings can reduce the freeze-thaw damage of recycled concrete. When the content of iron tailings is less than 30%, the freeze-thaw damage of recycled concrete decreases with the increase of the content of iron tailings. Both basalt fiber and iron tail sand can reduce the freeze-thaw damage of recycled concrete. Adding fiber and iron tail sand to recycled concrete can improve its service life and meet the needs of practical engineering.
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  Degradation of methylene blue by g-C₃N₄/TNTs and mechanism analysis

  MA Jun, QIN Liyan, HAO Chenli, LIU Qianwei, LI Hao

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9188-9195. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.022

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  In this study, urea was converted into graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) through a high-temperature polycondensation method, and g-C₃N₄/TNTs composite photocatalysts were constructed using a hydrothermal method. Methylene blue (MB) was used as a probe pollutant to systematically evaluate the photocatalytic performance and mechanism of the materials. Microscopic structural characterization showed that TNTs nanoparticles were effectively loaded onto the surface of g-C₃N₄, while the main framework maintained its original morphological features. The surface wrinkled structure increased the specific surface area to 45.3 m²/g. XRD, EDS, and XPS analyses confirmed that the material was composed of C (44.79%), N (1.02%), O (25.72%), Ti (24.48%), and Na (3.99%), with the elements evenly distributed. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that the optimized composite material (6∶1) achieved a degradation efficiency 200% higher than that of pure TiO₂ and g-C₃N₄. After 0.5 h of adsorption equilibrium and 5 h of visible light irradiation, the MB degradation rate reached 90.2%, following a first-order reaction kinetics model (R²=0.98). Mechanistic studies indicated that superoxide radicals (·O^-₂) and photogenerated electrons (e^-) were the main active species, contributing 62.3% and 28.1%, respectively, while hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and holes (h⁺) played a supporting role.
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  Degradation of bisphenol A in water by cobalt-boron-doped photocatalysis/PMS

  CHEN Yiyang, XUE Ningxuan, QIU Pengxiang

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9196-9200. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.023

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  Currently, photoactivated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) has become a research focus in the field of wastewater treatment due to its green and efficient properties. Boron is an excellent semiconductor with a narrow band gap, but its photogenerated electron-hole pairs are easy to recombine, which limits its application in photocatalysis. Cobalt, on the other hand, has excellent charge transfer and separation capabilities. In this paper, cobalt-boron-doped (CoB/700 ℃) composites were successfully prepared by impregnation-calcination method. The structure and optical properties of the prepared catalyst were analyzed by X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, UV-visible-near infrared spectrometer, etc. The catalytic performance of the catalyst was explored by photoactivating PMS to degrade bisphenol A (BPA) in water. The experimental results showed that CoB/700 ℃ degraded 90% of BPA within 15 min, and the degradation rate was better than that of B/700 ℃ and Co, indicating that the doping of Co was beneficial to the improvement of catalyst performance. The effects of pH and PMS dosage on the reaction system were investigated, and the effects of hydroxyl radicals, sulfate radicals and singlet oxygen were verified. The degradation of organic pollutants in water by CoB/700 ℃ photocatalytic activation of PMS provides a new path for wastewater treatment.
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  Preparation and acoustic analysis of lightweight and high sound insulation glass fiber composite sound insulation panels

  LIU Ruifeng, LIU Xun, ZHAI Fuqiang, PENG Shaoyuan, QIU Xin, WU Yuchen, ZHAN Chi, DING Mingde, YANG Xingchi, CHEN Xihao

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9201-9206. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.024

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  With the continuous advancement of low-carbon environmental protection strategy, the demand for lightweight luxury cruise ships is becoming more and more intense. At present, the areal density of domestic 25 mm thick high-performance cabin plate is 13 kg/m² and can not be broken through again. The sound insulation performance can not be improved, and ultra-fine glass fiber has the characteristics of small thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, small bulk density, etc. The preparation of luxury cruise liner with ultra-fine glass fiber has excellent sound insulation effect while meeting the lightweight needs of ships. The sound insulation performance and structure of the lining plate were tested by SZZB-4 transfer function method sound absorption and sound insulation test system, SEM scanning electron microscope, etc. The results show that the surface density of the 25 mm thick ultra-fine glass fiber liner is reduced by about 10% to 11.75 kg/m², the sound insulation performance becomes better with the increase of bulk density, and the composite structure design of the lining can improve the sound insulation performance, which can reach 17.78 dB at 50 Hz and 59.28 dB at 5 000 Hz. Therefore, MFGCB with a bulk density of 140 kg/m³and a composite structure with LB as the intermediate material is selected to prepare the liners.
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  Preparation and properties of alkali lignin-based expanded flame retardant polyurethane foam

  WANG Rui, AN Xinyu, GONG Ling, LI Xu, LIU Zhiming

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9207-9212. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.025

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  Using alkali lignin liquefaction products to completely replace polyether polyol, and compounding ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and expanded graphite (EG) to form an intumescent flame retardant system (IFR) in the ratio of 1∶3, alkali lignin-based IFR polyurethane foams with flame retardant properties (IFR-LRPUF) were prepared through the “one-step method”. The properties of the foams were analysed using a limiting oxygen index analyser (LOI), thermogravimetric analyser (TGA), vertical burning tester (UL-94), cone calorimeter (CONE), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal conductivity tester and universal mechanical testing machine. The results of the study showed that the LOI value of the prepared material IFR20%-LRPUF reached the highest value of 35.6% when the IFR addition was 20%; the vertical combustion class reached V-0. Compared with IFR0%-LRPUF, the peak heat release rate and total heat release of IFR20%-LRPUF were reduced by 137.2 kW/m² and 2.3 MJ/m², respectively, while the residual carbon yield increased by 6.1%.
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  Preparation and application of self-cleaning nano-SiO₂/ternary composite resin coating for photovoltaic modules

  SHEN Yongqian, LIU Xin, WEI Lijun, WEN Zhenji, ZHANG Hongwei, ZHANG Guibin, GAO Feng

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9213-9220. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.026

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  Fouling caused by dust accumulation hinders the conversion of light energy into electrical energy, which is not favorable to the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation. In this study, we prepared nanosized SiO₂ hydrophobic sol by sol-gel method, and composited with Cytec amino resin, hydroxy acrylic resin and MQ methyl silicone resin to prepare transparent self-cleaning coatings by dip-coating method. It was found that when the mass ratio of amino resin, hydroxyacrylic resin and MQ methyl silicone resin was 2∶3∶5, the coating effect was optimal showing excellent self-cleaning and antifouling, high temperature and abrasion resistance properties. The contact angle of the coating was 146.7° and the maximum light transmittance was 91%. The maximum output power of the uncoated PV module increased by 4.90% after manual dusting. This study provides a promising strategy for the development of light-transmitting, robust, and self-cleaning coatings for photovoltaic modules and other related applications.
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  Microstructure and biodegradation behavior of MgSc binary magnesium alloy

  SHEN Jinghan, LIU Jianing, DING Yuxin, NONG Haishi, CHEN Ke, DAI Chaoneng, GUO Shengfeng

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9221-9228. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.027

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  In order to investigate the effect of Sc content on the microstructure and biodegradation properties of Mg-Sc alloys, the microstructure, mechanical properties, and biodegradation properties of as-extruded Mg-xSc (x=0, 0.3, 0.6 wt%) alloys were studied using SEM, EDS, XPS, elastic modulus testing, hydrogen evolution/weight loss measurements, and electrochemical experiments. The results indicate that the Mg-xSc (x=0.3, 0.6) alloys mainly consist of α-Mg matrix and minor Mg-Sc intermetallic secondary phases. With increasing Sc content, the elastic modulus of the alloys gradually increases, while the microhardness, degradation rate, and electrochemical impedance values initially increase and subsequently decrease. The Mg-0.3Sc alloy demonstrates the best comprehensive performance, exhibiting an elastic modulus of approximately 50 GPa, Vickers hardness (HV) of 54.2, and a degradation rate of 0.103 mm/y.
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  Preparation of high-performance natural rubber composites using graphene oxide-loaded curing system

  CHENG Shuaishuai, CHENG Huatao, DUAN Xiaoyuan

  Journal of Functional Materials. 2025, 56(9): 9229-9236. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-9731.2025.09.028

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  Natural rubber (NR) holds an important position in the tire industry due to its good mechanical properties resulting from self-crystallization. However, the hysteretic heat generation problem caused by its viscoelasticity seriously affects the performance and service life of tires. In this study, nano-sulfur (S) and curing accelerator N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CZ) were successively deposited on graphene oxide (GO) by chemical in-situ deposition method to obtain GO-S-CZ filler with both interface enhancement and vulcanization functions. NR/GO-S-CZ composites were prepared by latex blending method and hot-press vulcanization process. The results showed that GO-S-CZ filler effectively improved the dispersion of GO in NR, reduced the re-aggregation of GO, and enhanced the interfacial interaction between filler and rubber matrix, thereby increasing the crosslinking density and vulcanization rate of rubber composites. Compared with NR/GO composites, when the filling amount of GO-S-CZ was 1 phr, the tensile strength of NR/GO-S-CZ composites increased by 8.7% to 28.8 MPa, the elongation at break reached 589.9%, and the compression fatigue heat generation value decreased to 9.6 ℃. In addition, for solid tires prepared based on NR/GO-S-CZ, the dynamic temperature rise was reduced by 17.1% and the rolling resistance was reduced by 16.7% under simulated working conditions. This indicates that reinforcing rubber with GO-supported vulcanization system is expected to provide new ideas for high-performance and long-life tire materials.