Research Group Publishes Perspective on Biomineralization-inspired Ceramics Fabrication in National Science Review

October 2025 - Researcher Zhaoyong Zou and Academician Zhengyi Fu’s team from our research group have published a perspective article titled “Idea of biomineralization-inspired fabrication for ceramics at room or low temperature” in National Science Review, proposing a novel approach for room/low-temperature ceramics fabrication inspired by biomineralization processes.

Research Background and Significance

Ceramic materials play an indispensable role in daily life, industrial production, and high-tech fields, primarily because of their excellent physical and chemical properties. However, traditional ceramic sintering relies on high-temperature processes, which consume significant energy and are accompanied by grain coarsening, limiting further improvements in material performance.

In contrast, biomineralization processes in nature (such as the formation of mollusk shells and tooth enamel) enable the fabrication of dense biominerals under ambient conditions. These biological materials usually exhibit exquisite microstructures and an excellent combination of conflicting mechanical properties, such as hardness and toughness.

Core Concept

This research proposes the development of biomineralization-inspired fabrication technologies for ceramics at room or low temperature. This innovative approach would not only significantly reduce energy consumption and global CO2 emissions during ceramic fabrication but also improve the properties and functions of ceramic materials.

The perspective article systematically outlines the core concept of this emerging interdisciplinary research direction and provides insights into future research aspects.

Academic Impact

As a high-level perspective article, this work is published in National Science Review, a top-tier comprehensive English academic journal from China, demonstrating the research group’s academic influence in cutting-edge materials fabrication directions. The proposed idea of biomineralization-inspired low-temperature ceramics fabrication opens new pathways for developing high-performance, low-energy consumption ceramic fabrication technologies.

Article Information

This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFA0715700).

Professor Zhaoyong Zou from Wuhan University of Technology is the first author of the article. Professor Zhengyi Fu from Wuhan University of Technology is the corresponding author.

Title: Idea of biomineralization-inspired fabrication for ceramics at room or low temperature
Authors: Zhaoyong Zou, Hang Ping, Qunfeng Cheng, Huailing Gao, Yufang Zhu, Zhengyi Fu
Journal: National Science Review
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwaf428
Online Publication: October 11, 2025
Access Type: Open Access