Abstract: The concept and characteristics of functionally gradient materials (FGM) are overviewed.The development and current situation in the researches of FGM are summarized also.Some preparation methods of FGM, such as chemical vapor deposition, self—propagating high—temperature synthesis, electro—chemistry method and so on are discussed.The application prospects of FGM in some fields are introduced including biological materials, electronic materials and piezoelectricity functionally gradient materials etc.