Copper smelting slag, the primary solid waste generated from pyrometallurgical copper production, is rich in valuable metals such as Cu (0.5%~4.6%) and Fe (30%~49%), making it a significant secondary resource for recovery. However, over 80% of the global copper slag is still disposed of by stockpiling, which not only occupies land resources but also poses environmental threats due to the migration and release of toxic elements like Pb and As. Efficient recovery of copper and iron from copper slag is therefore of great significance for ensuring resource security and promoting the green transformation of the nonferrous metals industry. This paper systematically reviewed physicochemical properties and mineralogical characteristics of copper smelting slag, and provided an in-depth analysis of technical principles and research status of various processes, including flotation, pyrometallurgy (reducing roasting-magnetic separation, smelting reduction, oxidizing roasting-magnetic separation), hydrometallurgy (chemical leaching, bioleaching), and combined processes. Current technologies still face common challenges such as low copper-iron separation efficiency, low iron recovery rate, and difficulties in the full-component utilization of secondary slag. On this basis, future research is prospected to focus on the synergistic extraction mechanisms of copper and iron, low-carbon intensification technologies, and stepwise utilization of full components, aiming to provide theoretical support for resources utilization, detoxification, and high-value utilization of copper smelting slag.

Injection characteristics of side-blown lance in a bath smelting furnace directly govern reaction intensity and smelting efficiency. In this study, stirring enhancement mechanism of a novel side-blown lance with an adjustable rotation angle was investigated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and structural parameters of the lance were optimized. A volume-of-fluid (VOF) multiphase flow model coupled with the realizable k-ε turbulence model was employed to conduct transient simulations of gas-liquid two-phase flow in an oxygen-enriched side-blown smelting furnace. Influence of lance rotation angle (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°) on flow field and mixing performance of the molten bath was analyzed. Results indicated that lance rotation angle exerted a nonlinear control effect on bath hydrodynamics. A moderate rotation angle (around 30°) effectively enlarged gas-induced disturbance region, accelerated interfacial renewal, and improved the uniformity of bath stirring. In contrast, either a non-rotating angle (0°) or an excessively large rotation angle (60°) led to pronounced flow drift and deteriorated local mixing. Overall, the proposed side-blown rotatable lance, through appropriate optimization of rotation angle, can enhance bath stirring while simultaneously ensuring furnace lining integrity and prolonging lance service life. The findings provided a theoretical basis and engineering guidance for lance design and optimization in large-scale oxygen-enriched side-blown smelting furnaces.

As the core equipment of the domestically developed hot-state triple-furnace continuous copper smelting system, the multi-lance top-blown furnace still requires further improvement in process monitoring and intelligent decision-making capabilities. Current challenges include delayed parameter adjustments, pronounced fluctuations in furnace conditions, and suboptimal continuity in production. This research developed a decision optimization system for top-blown furnace operations by integrating metallurgical modeling, industrial data acquisition, and software development. Based on the metallurgical reaction mechanism, the input-output mathematical model of the top-blown furnace was established to enable quantitative determination of core operating parameters such as flux dosage and oxygen volume. A calculation model for key process parameters was created to overcome limitations in real-time process state perception during continuous smelting. Through systematic integration, modules for data acquisition and model computation were encapsulated into a comprehensive decision optimization system. The system provided accurate calculation and decision support for core control parameters. It significantly reduced the uncertainty associated with manual operations but also provided effective technical support for dynamic multi-process coordination and control within the hot-state triple-furnace continuous copper smelting process.

This paper innovatively proposed thin vapor chambers based on gradient porosity copper foam/copper mesh composite structure to meet heat dissipation requirements of 5G communication equipment with high power density. Through two-way pore gradient design, thickness of copper foam was compressed from 1.6 mm to 0.15 mm by hot pressing technology at the evaporation end, forming a high-density microporous structure to enhance capillary. The condensation end was configured with 150 μm pore copper mesh to optimize the working medium reflux path, significantly reducing flow resistance. Experimental results showed that the design can reduce temperature fluctuation from 10.3 ℃ to 5.2 ℃ (a decrease of 49%) under a heat load of 65 W, with a thermal resistance (ΔR_th) of only 0.08 ℃/W. In particular, the gradient structure shortened start-up time to 8 s, providing a new idea for heat dissipation of miniaturized electronic devices. This study provided a new paradigm for the miniaturization and heat dissipation of high-power electronic devices, balancing efficient heat transfer and structural reliability. Design concept of the three-stage flow channel (large hole for evaporation end → middle hole for transition layer → small hole for copper mesh) can be extended to other high heat density application scenarios.

Copper and copper alloys are considered the primary structural material for fusion reactor divertor heat sinks due to their excellent thermal conductivity, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and relatively good resistance to neutron irradiation. However, a lack of in-depth understanding regarding the mechanisms of displacement damage in copper induced by synergistic effects of neutron irradiation and transmuted helium still exists. In this study, the synergistic effects were investigated using molecular dynamics simulations, with a focus on dislocation nucleation mechanisms. Influences of transmuted helium concentration (2000~8000 appm), primary knock-on atom (PKA) energy (1.0~7.0 keV), and simulation temperature (100~900 K) were systematically examined. Results showed that increased helium concentration raised the number of point defects, enhanced pinning effect, and promoted dislocation density and the formation of complex entanglement structures. Higher PKA energy led to a notable rise in length and density of dislocation line. At lower temperatures, rising temperature promoted development of dislocation entanglement structures in the cascade center, while at higher temperatures, it facilitated dislocation annihilation and break-up, resulting in the collapse of these entanglement structures. These findings provided important insights for the design of irradiation-resistant copper alloys for fusion reactors.

Depletion of high-grade ore deposits, coupled with growing difficulty of separating low-grade ores, has exposed critical shortcomings in current ore separation technologies: sluggish response, high energy consumption, and elevated noise at room temperature. The advent of third-generation semiconductors has positioned Cd_1-xZn_xTe (0≤x≤1, abbreviated as CZT) as a highly efficient detector material. Leveraging an innovative single-step conversion mechanism, Cd_1-xZn_xTe (0≤x≤1) detectors directly transduce high-energy radiation into charge signals, enabling precise determination of energy, position and time. This paper provided a comprehensive survey of worldwide research on Cd_1-xZn_xTe (0≤x≤1) crystals, systematically comparing the merits and drawbacks of various growth techniques. Detailed assessments were presented on controlling compositional uniformity, managing the solid-liquid interface, and eliminating—or at least mitigating—bulk and surface defects. Building on these analyses, the outlook for future applications and development trajectories of Cd_1-xZn_xTe (0≤x≤1) crystals was discussed.

C19210 is one of the Cu-Fe-P alloys extensively employed in the electronics industry. In order to enhance strength and electrical conductivity of the alloy, thermo-mechanical treatment was applied. In this work, the influences of deformation heat treatment on the mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and microstructure of C19210 were investigated. Results showed that the optimal properties, including a Vickers hardness of 134HV, tensile strength of 445 MPa, electrical conductivity of 88.4%IACS, and elongation of 16.3%, can be achieved through an optimized combinatorial process: solution treatment at 900 ℃ for 120 min, primary cold rolling (80% reduction) with aging at 450 ℃ for 240 min, followed by secondary cold rolling (50% reduction) and aging at 450 ℃ for 60 min. Microstructural observations revealed that combined effects of precipitation strengthening from dispersed precipitates and grain refinement from fine recrystallized grains contributed to the improvement of strength and electrical conductivity. These findings provided a theoretical and practical foundation for optimizing the performance and engineering application of Cu-Fe-P alloys.

Copper and copper alloys have remarkable advantages such as strong plasticity, good processing performance, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, which are widely used in defense technology, electrical engineering, construction and light industry. Surface coating is an important technology widely used for corrosion protection of copper and copper alloys. Common anti-corrosion coatings used on the surface of copper and copper alloys mainly include non-metallic coatings, metallic coatings, and graphene coatings. In particular, non-metallic coatings include polymer coatings, self-assembled monomolecular films, and sol-gel coatings. Metallic coatings are classified into conventional electroplating coatings, thermal spray coatings, laser cladding layers and so on. In the aspects of application situation, the main corrosion types and protection measurements of copper and copper alloys, this paper summarized research development of the anti-corrosion coatings for copper and copper alloys, and focused on the main components, preparation methods, performance characteristics, and application prospects of various coatings. Meanwhile, this paper illuminated corrosion protection mechanisms of various coatings on copper and copper alloys, pointed out the shortcomings of various coatings, and then provided an outlook for development trends of the anti-corrosion coatings for copper and copper alloys, including four key research directions.

Cu-2.0Fe-0.03P-0.11Zn alloy is a promising candidate material for electrical connectors owing to the low cost and excellent castability. Continuous casting serves as a key process in strip and plate production, where the solidification microstructure strongly influences subsequent processing and final product properties. In this study, a cellular automaton-finite element (CAFE) model was developed to simulate the solidification microstructure evolution of the Cu-2.0Fe-0.03P-0.11Zn alloy under continuous casting conditions. Simulated fractions of columnar and equiaxed grains were 87.4% and 12.6%, respectively, which were in close agreement with those of experimentally measured macrostructures (88.6% and 11.4%), confirming reliability and accuracy of the established model. Further investigations were conducted on effects of nucleation undercooling and nucleation density on solidification microstructure. Results indicated that increasing nucleation undercooling reduced the proportion of equiaxed grains: as undercooling increased from 1 K to 6 K, equiaxed grain fraction decreased from 17.1% to 9.2%, respectively. In contrast, increasing nucleation density promoted equiaxed grain formation, with equiaxed grain fraction increasing from 10.4% to 18.5% as the nucleation density increased from 0.5×10⁹ m^–3 to 40×10⁹ m^–3, respectively.

Metal/diamond composites with excellent thermal and mechanical properties are promising materials for thermal management applications, but the weak interfacial bonding between metals and diamond restricts industrialization processing. In this study, first-principle calculations based on density functional theory were employed, focusing on the (111) planes of three face-centered cubic (FCC) metals (Al, Cu, and Ag) and the (111) plane of diamond. A series of Cr-doped interface models with a concentration gradient of 12.5%~62.5% were constructed to systematically investigate the regulatory effect of Cr doping on interfacial bonding performance. Combined with calculations of surface relaxation, surface energy, and interfacial adhesion work, as well as analyses of charge density difference and partial density of states (PDOS), the microscopic mechanism of interfacial strengthening was revealed. Results showed that Cr doping exhibited a significant strengthening effect on Cu/diamond and Ag/diamond interfaces: adhesion work presented a distinct increasing trend with the rise of doping concentration, reaching 0.265 J/m² and 0.254 J/m², respectively, at a concentration of 62.5%, both significantly higher than those at 12.5% concentration. In contrast, due to the strong intrinsic Al-C polar covalent bonds and saturated electronic structure at the Al/diamond interface, Cr doping only slightly improved adhesion work to 0.293 J/m², showing low sensitivity to concentration changes. Analysis of interfacial electronic structure confirmed that introduction of Cr can form stable Cr-C covalent bonds through strong hybridization between Cr-3d orbit and C-2p orbit, thereby reconstructing interfacial electronic structure. However, Al formed saturated covalent bonds with C, making it difficult for Cr to participate in effective hybridization. This study provided an important theoretical basis for optimization interfacial design of metal/diamond composite materials and offered guiding significance for promoting their applications in fields such as thermal management.

WO₂ is the important intermediate product during the carbothermal reduction of WO₃ to WC, and the systematical analysis of the reduction behavior of WO₃ to WO₂ has a significant role on the efficient preparation of WC. Reaction behavior of carbothermal reduction of WO₃ to WO₂ was investigated with adaptation of thermogravimetric (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and thermodynamic calculation technologies. Influences of different parameters, such as reduction temperature, C/WO₃ molar ratio, and reaction time, on the phase transition and morphological evolution during the process were considered. Results of non-isothermal reduction experiment from room temperature to 1200 ℃ showed that WO₃ was preferentially reduced into WO_2.72, then to WO₂, and finally to metallic W. Phase transition law agreed well with thermodynamic theoretical calculation result. In the range of 1000 to 1050 ℃, with the increase of C/WO₃ molar ratio, the relative content of WO_2.72 in the reaction product gradually decreased, while that of WO₂ increased. Single-phase WO₂ can be prepared at the C/WO₃ molar ratio of 1.1. However, when the C/WO₃ molar ratio increased to 1.2, W formed due to the excess C. During the whole carbothermal reduction process, granular WO₃ was first in contact with honeycomb activated carbon. As the increase of reaction time, heat transfer process began and then chemical reaction between the two reactants occurred to form columnar WO_2.72. Subsequently, the columnar WO_2.72 was further reduced into elliptical WO₂. Based on experimental results, the optimal conditions for preparing well-dispersed WO₂ were determined as follows: reduction temperature of 1050 ℃, C/WO₃ molar ratio of 1.1, and reaction time of 90 min.

Under the global carbon neutrality initiative, the advancement of efficient and low-energy urea synthesis technologies holds crucial importance for sustainable development in agriculture and industry. Electrocatalytic technology enables direct co-reduction of CO₂ and NO₃^– for urea synthesis under ambient conditions, emerging as a highly promising strategy that has garnered significant research interest. Nevertheless, current electrocatalytic systems are constrained by low mass transfer efficiency, insufficient catalytic activity, and poor stability, posing substantial challenges for developing high-performance electrocatalysts. In this study, a honeycomb-like porous AlCuZn alloy catalyst was successfully fabricated through a facile alkali etching approach. At ambient conditions, the optimized AlCuZn-0.5 catalyst demonstrated a remarkable urea Faradaic efficiency of 65.7% at –0.3 V (vs. RHE), representing 1.4-fold enhancement over pristine AlCuZn, with a corresponding yield of 152.4 μg/(h·mg_cat) achieving 1.8-fold improvement. Electrochemical cycling tests and pre-/post-reaction X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed catalyst's superior operational stability and structural integrity. The etched AlCuZn-0.5 manifests enhanced synergistic effects among Al-Cu-Zn components, which facilitated C-N coupling reactions and improved urea selectivity. Porous architecture of the material not only enhanced reactant mass transfer but also reduced charge transfer resistance while exposing abundant active sites, collectively boosting urea production rate. This work established a novel design paradigm of C-N coupling for efficient electrocatalysis of NO₃^– and CO₂, positioning AlCuZn-0.5 as a prospective catalyst for sustainable urea synthesis.

In response to the high hardness of discharged water (350~900 mg/L CaCO₃), seasonal water scarcity, and pipeline scaling risk at Wushan Copper Mine in Jiangxi, this study developed a softening and reuse process based on ion exchange resin. Laboratory-scale tests were conducted to select a domestic Zhengguang (working exchange capacity 550~600 mmol/L). Operating parameters were optimized (flow rate 12 m/h, regenerant concentration 6%~8% NaCl), and the feasibility was verified at an industrial scale of 120 m³/h. Results showed that the softened water hardness was stably controlled at 0~130 mg/L CaCO₃, with a Ryznar stability index of 6.0~7.3. Regenerant salt consumption was 210~245 g/mol, and treatment cost per ton of water was 0.686 RMB/ton, of which the salt cost was 0.684 RMB/ton. Resin cost per cubic meter of softened water was 0.069 RMB/m³, and the average electricity cost for recycled water was 0.002 RMB/m³, comparable to current water intake cost. Concentrations of heavy metals in the regeneration waste complied with the GB 25467—2010 discharge standards (Pb<0.37 mg/L, Zn<0.45 mg/L). This technology addressed the production risk caused by seasonal water interruptions of the Nanyang River, achieved 100% wastewater reuse, and provided a solution for treating high-hardness mine wastewater.

In view of the problems existing in the copper and sulfur separation process of a certain concentrator, such as high copper grade (>0.19%), large circulation load and low copper-sulfur separation efficiency of the tailings, operation process of one-roughing, three-scavenging and two-cleaning for cleaning stage of copper-sulfur separation was formed. Investigation of current status of the on-site process flow and mineralogy analysis of intermediate products in cleaning stage were conducted. On-site process optimization industrial tests were executed based on small-scale experiments on intermediate product grinding. Industrial test results of process flow transformation showed that the copper grade of tailings in cleaning stage dropped from 0.19% to 0.156%; the copper recovery rate in cleaning stage increased from 98.04% to 98.56%. The proposed process technological transformation can create economic benefits of about 16 million yuan per year.