Tech Blog

Development Of Carbon Nitride Based Functional Materials Prepared From Industrial Grade Urea

Industrial grade urea overcapacity has long plagued China’s nitrogen fertilizer industry. Turning low-cost industrial urea into high-value functional materials offers a sustainable, scalable solution. This study uses industrial-grade urea as a raw material to synthesize graphitic carbon nitride (g‑C₃N₄) via thermal polymerization, then develops three high-performance products:

Transparent superhydrophilic glass
Stable water-based superhydrophilic coating
High-efficiency lubricating grease additive

These innovations enhance urea’s value chain, address overcapacity, and deliver practical, industrial-grade materials for construction, automotive, machinery, and environmental applications.

Why Industrial Grade Urea for Carbon Nitride(g‑C₃N₄)?

Urea is an abundant, low-cost carbon‑nitrogen precursor. Traditional g‑C₃N₄ research relies on high-purity analytical-grade urea, limiting scale. This study proves:

Industrial-grade urea (powder or granular) stably produces high-quality g‑C₃N₄;
Optimal synthesis: 5℃/min heating rate, 550℃, 1–4 h holding time;
Yield: 2.8%–4.5%; band gap: 2.75 eV; clear lamellar structure;
Formaldehyde impurities in industrial urea boost polymerization.

The result is low-cost, mass-producible g‑C₃N₄ with high crystallinity and strong functional potential.

Innovation 1: Transparent Superhydrophilic Glass (g‑C₃N₄‑TSG)

Using a simple evaporation coating method, industrial urea‑derived g‑C₃N₄ is deposited on glass to create a multifunctional transparent layer.

Key Performance

Static water contact angle: 0° (superhydrophilic);
Visible light transmittance: 90.57% (only 0.75% decay);
Stable superhydrophilicity: 150 days in clean air;
Enhanced durability: SiO₂ roughening + fluorosilane modification extends life to 120 days in dusty environments;
Excellent wear resistance, weatherability (−196℃ to 550℃), and corrosion resistance;
Extra functions: UV blocking, antibacterial, photocatalytic degradation, and conductivity.

Applications

Self-cleaning windows, anti-fog mirrors, anti-icing glass, automotive glass, architectural curtain walls, optical lenses.

Innovation 2: High-Stability Water-Based Superhydrophilic Coating

To expand substrate compatibility (plastics, metals, ceramics), a salt-assisted co-firing process creates nano-dispersed g‑C₃N₄ for water-based coating.

Core Advantages

Zeta potential: −60 mV; particle size: 20–50 nm → long-term colloidal stability;
Formula: ethanol : g‑C₃N₄ supernatant : water : waterborne fluorocarbon;
Superhydrophilicity was maintained for 36 days;
Transmittance > 80%; anti-corrosion grade: 2a–1b (copper sheet);
5% PU addition greatly improves wear resistance;
Eco-friendly: low COD, easy flocculation treatment.

Applications

Anti-fog, self-cleaning, anti-corrosion coatings on metal, ceramic, wood, sponge, and construction materials.

Innovation 3: g‑C₃N4 as Ultra-High-Efficiency Lubricant Additive

G‑C₃N₄’s lamellar structure, high modulus (310–350 GPa), and high hardness make it a next-gen solid lubricant additive.

Breakthrough Performance

0.01% g‑C₃N₄ = 5% chlorinated paraffin (same anti-wear effect);
0.05% g‑C₃N₄ = 0.15% MoS₂ (PD value up to 500 kg);
Max load capacity: 12,000 g (233% of base grease);
Low addition rate = lower cost + cleaner formulation;
Salt-modified nano g‑C₃N₄ improves dispersion stability;
High-viscosity grease = better stability; low-viscosity = stronger lubricity boost.

Applications

High-load, high-speed machinery; automotive chassis; industrial bearings; high-temperature lubrication systems.

Why This Technology Solves Urea Overcapacity

Mass consumption: Large-scale functional material production absorbs surplus urea output;
Value upgrade: Urea → high-margin coatings & lubricant additives;
Mature process: Thermal polymerization fits existing chemical plant equipment;
Wide market demand: Construction, automotive, machinery, and environmental protection;
Eco-friendly: Non-toxic g‑C₃N₄ supports green manufacturing.

conclusion

Converting industrial grade urea to graphitic carbon nitride creates three high-performance functional materials with real industrial value:

Superhydrophilic glass with ultra-high transparency & long durability
Stable, eco-friendly water-based superhydrophilic coating
Ultra-high-efficiency, low-addition lubricant additive

This technology upgrades the urea industry chain, reduces overcapacity, and provides scalable, low-cost functional materials for global manufacturing.

Tech Blog

Development Of Carbon Nitride Based Functional Materials Prepared From Industrial Grade Urea

Why Industrial Grade Urea for Carbon Nitride(g‑C₃N₄)?