Key Laboratory for Powder Metallurgy
The Key Laboratory for Powder Metallurgy, situated at Central South University in Changsha, Hunan, China, is recognized as a premier research institution dedicated to the advancement of powder metallurgy and its applications across various industrial sectors. The laboratory focuses on developing innovative materials and techniques to enhance the performance and sustainability of materials used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy. Researchers at the laboratory employ a multidisciplinary approach, integrating fundamental materials science with cutting-edge engineering practices to address contemporary challenges in material performance and application.
Recent research emanating from the laboratory highlights significant contributions to the field of powder metallurgy. One notable study conducted by Xu Wang et al. (2024) examined the suppression of discontinuous precipitation in Cu–Ti alloys through the addition of iron, demonstrating the potential to optimize alloy strength and stability under various conditions. This study underscores the importance of precipitation strengthening and intermetallic compounds in enhancing material properties (Wang, X., Xiao, Z., Chen, Y., & Li, Z. (2024). Suppression of discontinuous precipitation by Fe addition in Cu–Ti alloys. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 35(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-024-03016-w).
Another significant area of research involves the synthesis and application of catalytic materials for water splitting, as exemplified by the work of Xuanzhi Liu et al. (2024). Their study revealed how tantalum-induced reconstruction of nickel sulfide can significantly enhance bifunctional water splitting efficiency, showcasing its potential for hydrogen production. This research contributes to the broader field of renewable energy technologies, particularly in hydrogen generation (Liu, X., Liu, M., Liao, H., Zhang, S., He, X., Yu, Y., Li, L., Tan, P., Liu, F., & Pan, J. (2024). Tantalum-induced reconstruction of nickel sulfide for enhanced bifunctional water splitting: Separate activation of the lattice oxygen oxidation and hydrogen spillover. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 362, 817-826. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2024.11.022).
In the domain of energy storage systems, research by Zhenwei Tang and colleagues (2024) has explored the mechanisms and design strategies for anode-free solid-state rechargeable batteries. The study presents significant insights into advances in battery technologies and the challenges associated with designing efficient anode materials (Tang, Z., Han, C., & Li, W. (2024). Anode‐Free Solid‐State Rechargeable Batteries: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Design Strategies. Batteries, 10(1), 25-40. https://doi.org/10.1002/batt.202400585).
Moreover, the laboratory is involved in investigating novel anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Research by Qingbing Xia et al. (2024) identified monolayer sodium titanate nanobelts as highly efficient anode materials, emphasizing the potential of sodium-ion technology as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries (Xia, Q., Liang, Y., Cooper, E. R., Ko, C.-L., Hu, Z., Li, W., Chou, S., & Knibbe, R. (2024). Monolayer Sodium Titanate Nanobelts as a Highly Efficient Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries. Advanced Energy Materials, 14(23), 2200027. https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202400929).
In addition, the laboratory's ongoing research on oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) alloys by Yiren Wang and team (2024) has provided critical insights into the oxidation resistance of these materials, which is especially relevant for applications in the nuclear industry (Wang, Y., Long, D., Jiang, Y., & Sun, Y. (2024). Comparative First-Principles Study of the Y2Ti2O7/Matrix Interface in ODS Alloys. Materials, 17(19), 4822. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194822).
Furthermore, Jian Lu's group has designed organic ionic materials for optimizing electricity generation, storage, and utilization. This research reflects the increasing interest in organic electronic materials and their potential applications in energy technologies (Lu, J., Fu, H., Tian, X., Chen, Y., & Xu, B. (2024). Advanced Design of Organic Ionic Materials for the Boost of Electricity Generation, Storage, and Utilization. Advanced Electronic Materials, 10(24), 2300151. https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202402130).
The laboratory is also exploring advancements in printed electronics. A study by Liang Tian and colleagues (2024) analyzed mechanisms and strategies to enhance the stability of inkjet-printed two-dimensional materials, showcasing promising applications in flexible electronics (Tian, L., Liu, J., Chen, X., Branicio, P. S., & Qian, L. (2024). Mechanisms and Strategies to Achieve Stability in Inkjet Printed 2D Materials Electronics. Advanced Electronic Materials, 10(21), 2300345. https://doi.org/10.1002/aelm.202400143).
Lastly, Chaoxian Chen et al. (2024) investigated high-entropy cermets, revealing critical information about their mechanical properties and microstructure, contributing to the development of advanced materials for high-performance applications (Chen, C., Zhang, H., Qiao, D., Xia, P., Zhang, Y., Dang, W., Gu, S., & Yang, Y. (2024). Microstructure and mechanical properties of (Ti, W, Mo, Nb, Ta) (C0.78, N0.22) high entropy cermets with 5–25 wt% Co–Ni binders. Ceramics International, 50(13), 20665-20675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2024.08.090).
The Key Laboratory for Powder Metallurgy thus stands at the forefront of materials research, contributing vital knowledge and innovative solutions that address the evolving demands of industry while promoting sustainability and technological advancement. Its collaborative efforts, rigorous methodologies, and significant research outputs signify its pivotal role in shaping the future of materials science and engineering.