Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials
Nanomaterials have rapidly developed, and attention surrounding their use has increased in recent years. The emergence of various nanomaterials, i.e., nanoparticles, nano-grained alloys, and gradient nanostructures, is expected to make it possible for materials with super or very special properties to be applied in unusual practical contexts. There is a wide range of applications for nanomaterials in biochemistry or molecular medicine, fuel cells or metal-ion batteries, and flexible electronics, as well as in various components related to energy. The physical and chemical properties of nanostructures are determined by their chemical composition and structure and are also affected by the formation process, which is critical for their reliability and their use in practical applications.
Thermal Behaviour, Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Sustainable Construction
This reprint of the fourth edition Special Issue about Thermal Behaviour, "Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Sustainable Construction", published in the journal Energies (MDPI), includes 10 research papers, from across the world, with very interesting and actual research topics, such as the following: Thermophysical Properties of Compressed Earth Blocks; Envelope Deficiencies and Thermo-Hygrometric Challenges in Warehouse-Type Buildings; Natural Ventilation Analyses in Buildings at Urban Scale; Mitigating Soil Frost Heave Around Gas Pipelines; Assessment of Sustainable Building Design with Green Star Rating Using BIM; Influence of Solar Radiation on the Thermal Load of an External Wall Taking into Account Its Material Properties; Integrated Energy and Social Retrofit Strategies; Long-Term Performance of Thermal Insulating Composite Systems; Influence of Web-Perforated Cold-Formed Steel Studs on the Heat Transfer Properties of LSF External Walls; and Insulation Improvements in Dutch Houses.
Carbon Fiber Composites, Volume III
Many efforts have been made to create light-weight materials that maintain excellent physical and chemical properties, aiming at energy savings and property enhancement for aerospace, automotive, marine, and industrial applications over the past few decades. Among them, carbon fibers and their composites have attracted significant attention because of their unique properties, including high strength and modulus, novel dimensional stability, high surface area/volume ratios, low coefficient of thermal expansion, etc. Therefore, they have been widely applied in fields of energy storage, filtration, aircraft, etc., via advanced manufacturing technologies (i.e., wet/melt spinning, solution casting, 3D printing, etc.).The main aim of this Special Issue is to tackle the points mentioned above for the preparation, characterization, and properties of advanced carbon fibers and their composites to offer an insight into them, facilitating their practical applications in various fields.
Advances in Novel Precast Concrete Structures
With the growing global demand for construction, precast concrete structures have gained prominence due to their advantages in building quality, time and labor savings, cost efficiency, and environmental friendliness. A variety of precast systems have been developed, including emulative, pretensioning, rocking, and modular systems, while integration with emerging civil engineering technologies-such as novel energy-dissipators and advanced materials (e.g., FRP, UHPC, ECC)-and alignment with modern construction concepts (e.g., building industrialization, smart/intelligent construction) further underscore their significance as an active and prosperous research area in civil engineering. It presents high-quality research on the development and study of novel precast concrete structures, focusing on state-of-the-art progress, advancements, and emerging trends. The published articles cover (but are not limited to) topics such as high-efficiency emulative precast systems; the application of high-performance concrete in precast structures; novel precast structures with energy-dissipators; precast steel-concrete composite structures; precast underground concrete structures; modular concrete structures; the static and seismic performance of prefabricated element connections; analytical and design methods for precast structures; reliability and probabilistic safety assessment of precast structures; and the long-term performance and life-cycle cost analysis of precast structures.
Practical Organic Chemistry
"Practical Organic Chemistry - A Primer" is the ultimate guide for BSc and B. Pharm students embarking on their practical journey in organic chemistry. Unlike other books on the market aimed at advanced levels this book is designed specifically for students at the primary level providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their practical work.Covering a wide range of experimental methods including synthesis chromatographic separation techniques qualitative organic analysis and the fundamentals of spectroscopy this comprehensive guide offers step-by-step instructions and detailed explanations to ensure a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Packed with practical examples students will not only learn the theories but also gain invaluable hands-on experience.To further enhance the learning experience the book includes eight annexures that cover topics such as preparation of solutions laboratory reagents risk assessment data and essential information on the periodic table. Additionally the book concludes with a selection of problems and solutions to test and reinforce the students' understanding. Practical Organic Chemistry - A Primer is the indispensable companion for students as they navigate the complex world of organic chemistry experiments. Whether you're pursuing a degree in chemistry or pharmacy this book will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in your practical work.
Recent Advances in Functional Polymer Materials for Water Treatment
Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health
Additive Manufacturing of Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites
Special Issue 'Additive Manufacturing of Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites' has 13 pioneering studies advancing AM-FRPCs. Covering aerospace, automotive, energy, sustainability, it presents integration of novel materials, process/structural innovations, smart functionalities. It shows AM enables complex geometries, multifunctional parts with tailored mechanical, thermal, sensing properties. Articles address interlaminar toughness, porosity, fibre misalignment via nano-fillers, hybrid reinforcements, optimised paths. The highlights include laser-induced graphene for real-time damage sensing; eco-friendly biocomposites (chem-treated natural fibres); and spatial 3D printing for low-density, high-strength trusses. Mechanical testing uses experimental/numerical methods: acoustic emission, digital image correlation, finite element simulation, and Taguchi optimisation. Integrating AI and neural networks in print tuning and performance prediction marks a shift to intelligent manufacturing. From boosting buckling in anisotropic grids to refining laser-sintering via thermal simulation, this Special Issue offers insights into current research and future opportunities in process control, defect mitigation, and in situ monitoring. It is a timely collection of scientific breakthroughs and engineering practices driving next-gen FRPCs via AM, aiding researchers, engineers, and designers using AM's unique high-performance composite advantages.
Advances in Process Systems Engineering
This Special Issue shows some recent progress on process systems engineering in the Chinese PSE community. These progress primarily revolve around the fields of "process simulation, analysis and optimization", "process control, scheduling and planning", and "process monitoring, risk analysis and safety". The progress shows that more effort has been invested into the work related to AI and carbon reduction in the Chinese PSE community.
Design and Applications of Heterogeneous Nanostructured Materials
Guided by structural principles found in natural materials, heterogeneous nanostructured systems-comprising zones with markedly varied mechanical and physical characteristics-have emerged as a central topic driving innovation in modern materials science. In contrast to homogeneous counterparts, heterogeneous nanostructured materials exhibit outstanding mechanical performance and multifunctional properties, reflecting structural principles that have been optimized through natural evolution and increasingly adopted in advanced material design. The rational design, controlled synthesis, and practical implementation of such materials therefore represent critical directions for the development of next-generation structural and functional systems.This Special Issue of Nanomaterials, entitled "Design and Applications of Heterogeneous Nanostructured Materials", seeks to present state-of-the-art research and comprehensive reviews addressing recent advances in this rapidly evolving field. Contributions are on topics encompassing the design strategies, fabrication techniques, characterization methods, theoretical modeling, and diverse applications of heterogeneous nanostructured materials across a wide range of scientific and technological domains.
Food Technology and Law
Legal and Technological Aspects of Food Processing: A Global and Indian Perspective Dive into the dynamic world of food processing with this comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge technologies and the legal frameworks that shape the industry. From thermal and non-thermal processing to smart packaging and Industry 4.0 innovations like AI, IoT, and blockchain, this book unveils how technology ensures food safety, sustainability, and quality. With a focus on India's $535 billion food processing sector alongside global trends, it examines regulatory landscapes, including FSSAI, FDA, and EU standards, through insightful case studies like Amul's technology adoption and Nestl矇's compliance journey. Addressing challenges from data privacy to environmental compliance, this book offers a roadmap for stakeholders to navigate the future of food processing. Essential for industry professionals, policymakers, and researchers, it highlights the synergy of innovation and regulation driving global food security.
Organic Syntheses
Organic syntheses is a scientific publication that provides rigorously tested and reliable methods for the preparation of organic chemicals. The work addresses common challenges faced by chemists, emphasizing the need for detailed, reproducible procedures to minimize errors, reduce costs, and improve efficiency in both research and industrial settings. The opening sections outline the publication's purpose, highlighting the importance of precision, clarity, and accessibility in experimental methodology. Each synthesis is carefully documented with materials, step-by-step techniques, and expected yields, ensuring that chemists can confidently replicate the procedures across different laboratories. The publication serves as both an educational resource and a practical guide, supporting the work of students, researchers, and professionals in organic chemistry. It discusses the obstacles chemists often face, such as the high cost of chemicals, scarcity of reliable methods, and variability in experimental results. By prioritizing reproducibility and reliability, Organic Syntheses establishes a standard for experimental practice, enabling consistent production of vital organic compounds and advancing the field through systematic, verifiable research while fostering broader scientific collaboration and education.
Natural Poisons and Venoms
Biogenic toxins are fascinating natural products characterized by an enormous diversity of chemical structures and pharmacological activities. They not only pose hazards to humans and animals, but they are important components in the interplay of substances and living beings in nature and, moreover, important sources for new drugs. Numerous images of plants and chemical structural formulas complete the book, as well as extensive references for further reading. The multivolume reference is an essential resource for physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists, chemists, biochemists, food chemists and biologists, for students in the relevant fields, and maybe for interested laymen. All aspects of natural toxins based on the latest scientific knowledge are included: All aspects of the toxicology of all living organisms and natural foods, chemistry, action mechanisms, symptoms of intoxications. The only book arranged on a strictly scientific base according to the biogenetic origin and chemical structure. Natural Poisons and Venoms in 5 Volumes: Volume 1: Plant Toxins: Terpenes and Steroids 2023, ISBN 978-3-11-072472-1 Volume 2: Plant Toxins: Polyketides, Phenylpropanoids and Further Compounds 2024, ISBN 978-3-11-072851-4 Volume 3: Plant Toxins: Alkaloids and Lectins 2025, ISBN 978-3-11-112740-8 Volume 4: Animal Toxins 2023, ISBN 978-3-11-072854-5
Crystal Growth Fundamentals
A profound knowledge about crystal growth fundamentals and processes is needed for nanocrystals, epitaxial thin films and bulk crystals which became significant as the centerpieces of micro- and optoelectronics, photonics, computing. The mastery of crystallization and epitaxial processes requires a profound interdisciplinary knowledge that combines chemistry, crystallography, material science, physics. This three-volume textbook presents the three pillars of experimental crystal growth: _Thermodynamics of crystallization. _Kinetics of crystallization. _Transport of heat and mass. Part 2: Kinetics of Crystallization.
Intermetallics
The 3rd, updated and expanded edition summarizes basic data for the synthesis and crystal chemistry of binary/ternary intermetallic phases and gives a concise outlook on the many physical properties. It discusses selected examples from the huge family of intermetallic compounds from a solid state chemistry point of view. New chapters on corrosion, memory metals and medical implant materials.
Recent Advances and Emerging Challenges in Functional Coatings
This Reprint gathers recent progress and perspectives in the field of functional coatings, reflecting the growing importance of surface engineering in modern materials science. As technological applications increasingly require components with properties that extend from bulk to tailored surface functionalities, coatings provide a vital means to enhance performance, durability, and adaptability in demanding environments.The contributions collected here span theoretical analyses, numerical modeling, and experimental investigations, offering a comprehensive overview of how coatings can be designed, optimized, and characterized. The articles address key advances in coating technologies, novel application strategies, and the integration of advanced analytical tools in production. They also highlight innovative materials solutions, from protective to multifunctional coatings, that are capable of meeting the challenges posed by complex service conditions.Together, these studies provide valuable insights into current trends and emerging directions in functional coatings, underlining their critical role in enabling sustainable and high-performance engineering applications.
Characterization and Modelling of the Deformation and Failure of Engineering Metallic Materials
Metals are the most widely used engineering materials, and their reliability is crucial for their applications. Engineered metallic materials exhibit diverse mechanical properties, defects, phases, microstructures, and chemical compositions. These microstructural features govern the deformation and failure of metals. Recent advances in material characterization techniques have provided insights into deformation mechanisms across a wide range of length and time scales. At the microscale, electron microscopy is widely used to reveal local crystal orientations and microstructures. At larger scales, digital image correlation (DIC) techniques and X-ray diffraction have enabled the measurement of internal stresses and lattice strains during deformation. Emerging techniques, such as 3D tomography, atom probe tomography (APT), and a focused ion beam (FIB), allow for the three-dimensional reconstruction of microstructures.Numerical modelling techniques have also progressed significantly. The finite element method (FEM) remains a cornerstone of mechanical simulation. Incorporating crystal plasticity models into FEM enables the consideration of microstructural features at the grain level. At a lower scale, discrete dislocation dynamics (DDD) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations capture the activities of dislocations.
Hybrid O/I Sol-Gel-Derived Nanocomposites Systems for Advanced Functional Applications
The demand for high-performance polymer-based systems continues to drive both academia and industry toward the design of innovative and sustainable materials for applications in sectors like electrical engineering, electronics, advanced packaging, and flame retardancy. This Reprint brings together key contributions from experts in polymer research, focusing on hybrid O/I sol-gel-derived nanocomposites for advanced technologies. It highlights recent advancements in the preparation, characterization, and processability of hybrid O/I systems, with a focus on sustainability. The volume explores interactions between polymer matrices and functional components, examines alternative fillers with environmental and economic benefits, and emphasizes the increasing role of machine learning in sol-gel science. These data-driven approaches are enhancing material property prediction, formulation optimization, and the design of new composites. Each chapter provides a solid theoretical foundation, experimental results, and key conclusions, offering readers a deeper understanding of cutting-edge developments and the impact of artificial intelligence in materials science.
2024 IEEE 7th International Conference on Knowledge Innovation and Invention
This Reprint represents the proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Knowledge Innovation and Invention 2024 (ICKII 2024). This conference was organized by the Science Education Center, National Taiwan Normal University, the Photovoltaic Research and Education Center for Smart Green Energy, National Formosa University, the International Institute of Knowledge Innovation and Invention (IIKII), and the IEEE Tainan Section Sensors Council (IEEE TSSC) in the area of sciences and engineering technologies. It provides a unified communication platform for researchers in the topics of Information Technology, Innovation Design, Bioengineering, Communication Science and Engineering, Industrial Design, Creative Design, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical and Automation Engineering, Green Technology and Architecture Engineering, Material Science, and other related fields. This conference enables the interdisciplinary collaboration of science and engineering technologists in the academic and industrial fields, as well as networking internationally. ICKII 2024 provided 15 Regular Sessions and 4 Invited Sessions including 223 papers, and 46 excellent papers about relevant engineering fields to the conference were selected through peer review for publication in Engineering Proceedings (ISSN: 2673-4591, indexed by Scopus). The proceedings of ICKII 2024 are expected to accelerate the interdisciplinary collaboration of science and engineering technologists in the academic and industrial fields as well as international networking.
Liquid Crystals and Their Applications
The Topical Collection "Liquid Crystals and Their Applications" in Crystals (MDPI) gathers cutting-edge contributions that reveal the remarkable versatility and impact of liquid crystal materials across technology and science. This collection features experimental and theoretical papers that demonstrate how manipulating the orientational order of nematic, chiral, and elastomeric phases enables novel influences on thermal, optical, and mechanical phenomena. Highlights include light-induced heating and Bragg resonance in nematic and helicoidal cholesteric structures, usage of nematic liquid crystals to boost dye-sensing solar cell performance, and the design of broadband near-infrared reflective coatings with stacked chiral liquid crystals. The integration of liquid crystals in filtration membranes, adjustable optical elements, and responsive elastomers illustrates their critical role in sustainable energy, smart windows, and advanced photonic devices. The review of angular-selective windows with guest-host liquid crystals underscores their promise for the next-generation static window technologies. Collectively, this collection offers a panoramic view of how liquid crystals shape modern materials innovation and device engineering for researchers, technologists, and industry stakeholders.
Advances in Modelling and Simulation of Materials in Applied Sciences
The Reprint of the Special Issue "Advances in Modelling and Simulation of Materials in Applied Sciences" presents recent developments in methods and applications of material modelling and simulation across a wide range of applied science fields. It features advanced approaches such as finite element simulations, multiphysics modelling, ab initio and molecular dynamics simulations, and structural optimization. Applications span mechanical and manufacturing engineering, mechanical behavior and characterization of materials, thermomechanics and thermohydrodynamics, vibration and acoustics, and fluid dynamics, with materials ranging from metals and alloys to composites, fibrous media, metamaterials, and multifunctional structures. Within this context, the contributions of the Special Issue are organized into five themes: (i) finite element simulations in mechanical and manufacturing engineering; (ii) mechanical behavior and characterization of materials; (iii) reliability and vibration performance of engineered systems; (iv) thermohydrodynamic multiphysics modelling; and (v) ab initio and atomistic modelling of materials. Together, they demonstrate how simulations not only predict outcomes but also complement experiments in guiding design, processing, and optimization. This collection serves as a valuable reference for researchers, physicists and engineers seeking the latest advances in computational materials science and novel methods for material processing and characterization across multiple scales.
Coatings for Cultural Heritage
The aim of this Reprint is to research related scientific problems involved in coatings during the process of cleaning, protecting and restoring objects of cultural heritage through original research papers. As the precious legacy of human beings with high historical, artistic and scientific values, cultural heritage carries important information about human historical activities, reflecting the development and progress of world civilization. Studies of cultural heritage preservation play a key role in understanding human history, inheriting national cultures and safeguarding cultural diversity and creativity. Due to natural and anthropogenic factors, heritage assets have deteriorated, and cleaning, protection and restoration are crucial measures aimed at their preservation. In the process of preservation, coatings should be given particular attention as a research focus regarding the application of protective materials or advanced technologies/approaches on the culturally significant object, such as their compatibility, performance, stability, etc. Therefore, research on coatings for cultural heritage is an important issue in promoting the process of heritage conservation. In this Reprint, 11 original research articles include the following topics: Coatings for earthen sites, grottoes, stone and other immovable heritage preservation and consolidation;Coatings for movable cultural relics in cleaning, restoration and preservation;Modeling and evaluation of coatings;Compatibility of new protective materials from the perspective of coatings;Application of new theory, methods, and materials in cultural heritage preservation.
Surface Engineering and Mechanical Properties of Building Materials
This Reprint immerses the reader in cutting-edge research on enhancing the performance and sustainability of building materials. It explores innovative approaches in surface engineering and mechanical characterization, from evaluating the cracking resistance of in-service asphalt pavements and the durability of bridge deck systems to mitigating rebar corrosion in concrete. The studies within also unravel the potential of utilizing industrial by-products and eco-friendly composites, paving the way for a more circular economy in construction. Through insights from leading experts, this Collection embarks on a journey to unlock the full potential of advanced materials, seeking solutions that balance our infrastructural needs with the responsibility to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
Advanced Materials for Solar Energy Utilization
This Reprint highlights recent advances in materials science for solar energy conversion and utilization. It presents a collection of innovative research articles and reviews focused on the development of high-performance materials for solar-driven applications such as water splitting, CO2 reduction, ammonia synthesis, pollutant degradation, H2O2 production, photovoltaic energy harvesting, and more. By integrating insights from photochemistry, catalysis, nanotechnology, and environmental science, this Reprint explores cutting-edge strategies for enhancing light absorption, charge separation, and catalytic efficiency. The featured studies demonstrate the critical role of material design-from heterojunction engineering to vacancy modification and surface functionalization-in improving the sustainability and effectiveness of solar energy technologies. This Reprint serves as a valuable reference for researchers and engineers seeking to address global challenges in clean energy and environmental remediation through advanced photochemical and photovoltaic materials.
Molecular Design and Synthesis of Novel Energetic Compounds
Energetic compounds have the characteristics of a high density, high enthalpy of formation, and good thermal stability, and they have been extensively studied and reported by researchers in recent years. Energetic materials are special and dangerous energy materials that store a large amount of energy in their structures, which can be released in a very short time under external stimuli such as heat, shock, and friction. As such, they play a very unique but important role in both defense and civilian industries. Energetic compounds have been widely used in the field of energetic materials such as primary explosives, high-energy explosives, rocket propellants, and fireworks. In recent years, they have received increasing attention from energetic materials scientists around the world, and many different kinds of energetic compounds have been designed, synthesized, and reported. This Reprint of this Special Issue is comprised of original research papers on the theoretical design, experimental synthesis, performance evaluation, and practical significance of energetic compounds.
Editorial Board Members' Collection Series
A Special Issue of Metals, entitled "Metal Crystal/Polycrystal Plastic Strain Hardening", was initiated in 2022 by the late Professor Ronald W. Armstrong to advance the current state of the art. In its final form (2025), this issue comprises ten published works: a closing Editorial article, an initial Editorial article, six regular research papers, one research communication, and one review article. This Reprint collates all ten contributions. These works collectively enhance our current understanding of the effects of dislocations, microstructures, chemistry, and loading conditions on the mechanics and thermodynamics of metals across a range of length and time scales. The diverse content of this Reprint should be of interest to researchers in the fields of engineering mechanics, materials science, and metallurgy.
Recent Advances in Sensors for Chemical Detection Applications
Low-cost sensor technologies for chemical detection are increasingly used in industrial process control, chemical threat monitoring, green chemistry, environmental sustainability, smart cities, hydrogen economy, energy saving, wearable devices, IoT, public health, sustainable mobility, autonomous vehicles, and community sensing. Functional materials are key enablers of advanced gas sensors, bridging laboratory research and industrial applications. Essential requirements for next-generation low-cost sensors include low power consumption, high-quality data, and reliable performance. Portable systems and wireless sensor networks are widely employed for long-term chemical threat monitoring. Current low-cost sensor technologies encompass various transducers-chemiresistive, electrochemical, transistor, optical, mass-sensitive, catalytic, and hybrid types. Despite rapid progress, challenges persist in sensitivity, selectivity, stability, detection limits, calibration, and accuracy. Understanding these limitations is critical to expanding chemical detection capabilities.This Special Issue focuses on low-cost sensor technologies, gas and chemical sensors, functional materials, sensor nodes, hardware design, data communication, system integration, testing methods, signal processing, calibration, machine learning, and innovative applications. Proper calibration in both laboratory and field conditions ensures data reliability. These sensing solutions are highly relevant for biochemical detection and gas monitoring across environmental and industrial scenarios.
Advanced Chemical Sensors for Gas Detection
Chemosensors are powerful and indispensable tools that enable the detection and quantification of chemical substances in diverse gas environments. This Reprint focuses on the advanced materials and techniques that have been developed recently in this field. Those sensors, employing inorganic, organic, hybrid, or composite gas-sensitive materials, can provide highly sensitive and selective responses to diverse gaseous chemicals via optical, electrical, and electrochemical signals, among others. They can be used to ensure environmental monitoring, industrial analysis, secure response, healthcare and medical diagnosis, etc.
Molecular Structure, Electronic and Vibrational Spectra Theoretical Calculations in Materials Sciences
The dialectic of science progress lies in the fact that today's experiments may give way to tomorrow's theories, rendering such experiments obsolete, but such theories, in turn, may be challenged by newer experiments the following day, thus pushing the boundaries of knowledge. This Reprint offers an example of this principle in action with regard to structural and spectroscopic research; using examples of various chemical compounds and materials, it demonstrates the insights and pragmatism of studies that explore the interplay between experiment and theory.
Design, Processing and Characterization of Metals and Alloys
The present Special Issue discusses the close relationship among the composition design, plastic processing, and microstructure characterization of all metals and alloys such as iron, steel, Ti alloys and Mg alloys. Additionally, this Special Issue also reports on the improvement of mechanical properties and the optimization of service performance. We believe that new information and innovations will be provided to researchers in Materials Science and Engineering.
Zeolites as Catalysts
Zeolites, with their unique microporous crystalline structures, high surface areas, and tunable acidity, have long been pillars of heterogeneous catalysis. Their well-defined pore systems grant them exceptional shape-selectivity, enabling precise control over reaction pathways that is unparalleled by other catalytic materials. Traditionally, zeolites have been indispensable in major industrial processes such as fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), hydrocracking, and petrochemical production, forming the backbone of the modern refining and chemical industries. Today, the role of zeolites is rapidly expanding beyond these traditional boundaries, driven by global demands for sustainability and green chemistry. In the realm of energy, they are crucial for the production of biofuels and in emerging hydrogen storage technologies. In environmental protection, zeolites serve as robust catalysts for the removal of NOx from exhaust gases (SCR), the oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and advanced water purification. Furthermore, their application in the synthesis of fine chemicals and renewable platform molecules highlights their versatility.
Mineral-Based Composite Catalytic Materials
This Reprint highlights the latest advances in mineral-based catalysts and their principal oxide components-a cornerstone of green catalytic technology. Naturally abundant minerals with well-defined structures exhibit exceptional physicochemical properties, rendering them ideal catalysts or supports. Through strategic modification and activation, these materials significantly boost catalytic performance in critical environmental and energy-related applications. This collection features research on the synthesis and modification of mineral-based catalysts, as well as their applications in pollutant degradation, water splitting, CO2 reduction, and biomass conversion, offering innovative pathways toward a sustainable future.
Gulliver in the Country of Lilliput
The contributions included in this Reprint can be broadly categorized into three thematic areas: physical chemistry, condensed matter physics, and ecology. Specifically, they explore the identification of specific interactions responsible for the observed or predicted structures of heteromolecular systems, the role of noncovalent interactions in the behavior of molecules under confinement, and the spectral manifestations of such interactions in complex molecular systems.
Functional Biomaterials for Regenerative Dentistry
Regenerative dentistry aims to replace diseased and damaged tissue with functionally integrated regenerated tissue rather than conventional bonded or embedded synthetic materials. The wide array of oral tissues that require regeneration due to common diseases-the periodontal ligament supporting sound biomechanical integration of teeth, the dental pulp maintaining tooth vitality, the alveolar bone supporting the function of overlying tissue and retention of teeth, and the mineralized tooth structure-presents many daunting challenges. Overcoming these challenges is essential to achieve oral health and obtain the associated benefits for the well-being and lifestyle of patients.Biomaterials that promote regeneration serve a growing role in the dentist's repertoire of tools and techniques. The inherently patient-specific, adaptable, biocompatible, and immunomodulatory nature of regenerative biomaterials positions them as the future of everyday dental practice. The long history of surgical techniques in dentistry, combined with the wide scope of biomaterials being developed for nearly every diseased human tissue, produces an exciting opportunity for the development of functional regenerative biomaterials in dentistry. The objective of this Reprint is to collect the latest research on the development of functional biomaterials for regenerative dentistry-broadly defined-to highlight the present and future capacity of dentistry to lead the way in the field of tissue regeneration.
Advances in Engineered Wood Products and Timber Structures
This Special Issue, "Advances in Engineered Wood Products and Timber Structures", showcases ten cutting-edge studies that explore innovative materials, structural solutions, and performance improvements in timber construction. Topics range from design strategies for modular multi-story timber buildings and assessments of space efficiency in high-rise timber buildings, to parametric analyses of timber spatial frames. Experimental research is also prominently featured, focusing on connection behavior and advancements in engineered wood products, including bio-based adhesives, fiber reinforcements and hybrid solutions. The Special Issue reflects the growing potential of timber in contemporary construction, offering valuable insights for researchers, architects, engineers, and professionals in the field.
Gels
Organogels, hydrogels, and ionic gels were investigated both theoretically and experimentally in this reprint. Detailed research was focused on both their synthesis and their applications in high-performance chemistry and its important branches. On this occasion, the proposed keywords, respectively, organogels, hydrogels, ionic gels, chitosan, and fractal analysis, which were considered extremely significant and valuable, were addressed in great technical detail in this innovative scientific study. Consequently, all these reference themes, as well as those inherently associated with them, were approached and synthesized. The employment of xerogels for different applications was also investigated through a plethora of scientific means, such as gravimetrical measurements, SEM imaging, and fractal analysis of SEM pictures. The fractal analysis of such gels was pioneered and thoroughly examined by Prof. Viorel-Puiu Paun in this Special Issue and other past publications of his. Images were scrutinized and reviewed by cleverly calculating the fractal dimension and the lacunarity as a quantitative measure of the homogeneity of the material and its texture through their topological analysis. Moreover, interest-worthy aspects using different types of gels in reinforcement, flood prevention, ecological restoration, combustion enhancement, corrosion protection, acoustic propagation, electrochemical storage, synthesis of nanoparticles, gas sensing, ozone detection, the evaluation of coatings, the development of concrete, and obtaining magnetic nanoparticles were considered in the scientific papers included in this Special Issue.
Advances in Corrosion and Protection of Materials (Second Edition)
This Reprint aims to provide the corrosion research community with up-to-date, innovative information on the corrosion and protection methods of metallic materials. The different papers contained within cover critical aspects regarding the preparation and characterization of a variety of coating materials, as well as corrosion inhibitors. The corrosion mechanisms of several metals, such as stainless steels, copper, titanium, aluminum, zinc, magnesium alloys, and carbon steels, are studied, either with regard to their protective coating ability or corrosion inhibition efficiency.
Advanced Nanocomposites Materials Based on Graphene Oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide
Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the Special Issue titled "Advanced Nanocomposite Materials Based on Graphene Oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide: Potential Applications and Perspectives" has been successfully completed and is now available online as a Reprint. This Special Issue highlights the integration of GO/r-GO with polymers, inorganic nanoparticles (e.g., Au, Ag, Pt), and other carbon-based nanomaterials, showcasing their potential in fields such as the following: Energy storage: Fe₃O₄/r-GO nanocomposites for supercapacitor electrodes;Environmental remediation: PMMA-based nanocomposites for Cr(VI) removal from waste water;Solar energy: Photothermal materials based on trifluoromethylated azobenzene and r-GO, among others;Biomedical and diagnostic applications: r-GO-based impedimetric immunosensors for SARS-CoV-2 detection;Gas sensing and flexible electronics: functionalized GO/r-GO with metal oxides and composite aerogels, among other examples.
Functional Coatings for Metallic and Ceramic Materials
Coatings are used today in many areas of human activity. It was traditionally believed that their main applications were only protecting against corrosion and giving decorative properties to various materials, but recently, the functions of coatings have expanded significantly.These are, for example, antireflective coatings for glasses or radars, thin films on the surface of parts of fuel and solar cells, antibacterial applications, and many other multi-functional coatings.This reprint contains research papers united by the general concept of functional coatings. A wide range of technologies were used to obtain the coatings, such as plasma electrolytic oxidation, electrodeposition, metallic suspension inject printing, metal inert gas arc welding, laser-oriented deposition, etc., as well as very different analytical methods for studying the results obtained.
Advances of Chitin and Chitosan-Based Materials
This Reprint, guest-edited by Dr. Dawei Zhang and Xianzhi Kong, collates a collection of research works dedicated to the advancement of chitosan and chitin, with particular emphasis on hydrogels, nanofibers, smart materials, nanocomposites, foams and dressing materials. This Special Issue focuses on the preparation and application of materials based on chitosan and chitosan, with the aim of presenting the latest research advances in the biomedical applications of chitosan and chitin and highlighting the potential for further innovative research in this area.
Recent Advances in Catalytic Surfaces and Interfaces
The Reprint of the Special Issue "Recent Advances on Catalytic Surfaces and Interfaces" aims to cover the recent advances in the fundamental understanding of surface and interface phenomena in catalysis. It consists of nine high-quality papers on various aspects of catalysis, related to the rational design and fine-tuning strategies during some of the most relevant applications in electro-, photo-, and thermo-catalysis, such as green diesel production, hydrocracking, hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, and wastewater treatment, among others.
Advances in Functional Rubber and Elastomer Composites II
This reprint discusses novel rubber composites, including advanced fabrication techniques and evaluations of their useful properties. Each chapter provides an in-depth analysis of current drawbacks and possible solutions for the advanced applications of functional rubber composites. The reprint also presents the latest developments and trends in rubber research for various scientific and engineering applications.
