Colloids and Interfaces

2 pages, 128 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for a New Section: Interfacial Properties

by Volodymyr I. Kovalchuk and Eugene V. Aksenenko

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10020032 - 20 Apr 2026

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From a physical point of view, interfaces are not simply borders between two contacting continuous phases, but material objects with specific properties [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Interfacial Properties)

19 pages, 5417 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Al₂O₃ on the Migration Behavior of Montmorillonite Colloids in Soil: Effects of pH, Ionic Strength, and Surfactants

by Linwei Yang, Jia Liu, He Wang, Xiaoyun Yi and Zhi Dang

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10020031 - 20 Apr 2026

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Abstract

The colloidal particles present in natural soil and groundwater systems possess distinctive properties that enable them to migrate across solid surfaces, thereby exerting a significant influence on the distribution of pollutants. While the attachment of colloidal particles to solid surfaces has been extensively [...] Read more.

The colloidal particles present in natural soil and groundwater systems possess distinctive properties that enable them to migrate across solid surfaces, thereby exerting a significant influence on the distribution of pollutants. While the attachment of colloidal particles to solid surfaces has been extensively investigated, the mechanisms governing their detachment under varying hydrochemical conditions remain largely unexplored. The common interaction between montmorillonite colloids and solid medium (Al₂O₃) in soil affects the fate of pollutants such as heavy metals. In our study, Al₂O₃ was used as solid medium to observe the adsorption and desorption behavior of montmorillonite colloids. It was found that the adsorption capacity of Al₂O₃ to montmorillonite colloids could reach 4.71 mg g⁻¹ (pH 5.0 and 10 mM NaCl concentration). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis shows that montmorillonite colloids react with the Al₂O₃ surface mainly through chemical groups with –O–Si bonds. Desorption experiments show that SDS drives desorption by neutralizing and reversing the surface charge of Al₂O₃, while CTAB directly modifies montmorillonite colloids and introduces steric hindrance to achieve desorption. These research data contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the migration behavior of montmorillonite colloids on solid phases. Full article

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31 pages, 5786 KB

Open AccessArticle

Polymer Retention Leading to Non-Darcy Flow in Porous Media—Influence of Molecular Weight, Composition and Mechanical Degradation

by Abdulmajeed Murad, Arne Skauge and Tormod Skauge

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10020030 - 17 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Polymer flooding is a well-established chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method, primarily aimed at improving sweep efficiency. However, the interplay between polymer properties and porous media, particularly the influence on permeability reduction, remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigate how polymer molecular [...] Read more.

Polymer flooding is a well-established chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method, primarily aimed at improving sweep efficiency. However, the interplay between polymer properties and porous media, particularly the influence on permeability reduction, remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigate how polymer molecular weight, chemistry, and mechanical pre-shearing influence residual resistance factor (RRF) and in situ rheology in Berea sandstone core floods. Post-polymer brine flow exhibits clear non-Darcy behavior, indicating that permeability becomes rate-dependent after polymer adsorption. Application of a Forchheimer-based approach demonstrates that inertial contributions become significant at reservoir-relevant velocities, suggesting enhanced microscopic inertia dissipation associated with interaction between flowing brine and the stationary adsorbed polymer layer. Applying conventional Darcy-based interpretation systematically overestimates RRF under these conditions. RRF increases with polymer molecular weight for polymers with similar bulk viscosities, suggesting that permeability reduction is primarily controlled by effective hydrodynamic size and pore-scale interactions rather than polymer concentration. Mechanical pre-shearing substantially reduces RRF and the non-linear flow contribution, suggesting that laboratory measurements performed on unsheared solutions may overestimate field-scale injectivity impairment. In contrast, an ATBS-containing polymer exhibits relatively low RRF but high apparent viscosity, indicating that alterations in polymer chemistry may override molecular weight as the main factor. The results demonstrate that polymer–surface interactions can induce rate-dependent permeability at reservoir-relevant velocities, and highlight the need for non-Darcy analysis when interpreting polymer core flood experiments for field application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colloids and Interfaces in Crude Oil Recovery)

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18 pages, 2903 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Solid Foams from Geopolymerization of Lunar Regolith Simulants Slurries

by Michela Elena Pedretti, Libero Liggieri, Luca Valentini, Giovanna Canu, Alberto Lagazzo, Francesca Ravera and Eva Santini

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10020029 - 16 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Robust, lightweight, and thermally insulating building materials, developed according to the In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) paradigm, are essential for enabling Moon settlements. With this aim, we have investigated the formulation and characterization of porous geopolymeric materials based on a lunar regolith simulant, [...] Read more.

Robust, lightweight, and thermally insulating building materials, developed according to the In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) paradigm, are essential for enabling Moon settlements. With this aim, we have investigated the formulation and characterization of porous geopolymeric materials based on a lunar regolith simulant, focusing on the influence of surfactants and rheology-modifying additives on pore structure and final material performance. As an optimized procedure, a pre-formed TTAB foam was, in fact, incorporated into the geopolymeric precursor slurries to achieve a suitable porosity. Then, the effects of three thickeners (xanthan gum, bentonite, and Actigel-208) were evaluated in view of the possible utilization for the production of building blocks by 3D printing. Observations of the pore structure after the geopolymeric consolidation of the slurries showed predominantly closed-cell networks across all formulations, with a pore morphology strongly dependent on the thickener used. Xanthan gum promoted high porosity but reduced mechanical integrity, whereas bentonite produced denser structures with higher thermal conductivity. Actigel-208 provided the most balanced performance, combining adequate porosity with improved strength. These findings demonstrate the potential of producing thermally insulating, structurally stable solid foams from lunar regolith simulants via a geopolymerization route. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soft Matter Interfaces and Structures)

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74 pages, 13604 KB

Open AccessReview

Rheology of Non-Dilute Emulsions: A Comprehensive Review

by Rajinder Pal

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10020028 - 25 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Non-dilute emulsions are emulsions where the concentration of the droplets is high enough for the neighbouring droplets to interact with each other hydrodynamically but is still smaller than the packed bed concentration where the droplets are packed and deformed against each other. Thus, [...] Read more.

Non-dilute emulsions are emulsions where the concentration of the droplets is high enough for the neighbouring droplets to interact with each other hydrodynamically but is still smaller than the packed bed concentration where the droplets are packed and deformed against each other. Thus, they cover a broad range of droplet concentrations. Many emulsions encountered in industrial applications fall under this category. Non-dilute emulsions exhibit rich rheological behaviour, from a simple Newtonian fluid to a highly non-Newtonian fluid, reflecting shear-thinning, shear-thickening, yield stress, viscoelasticity, etc. In this article, the rheology of non-dilute emulsions is reviewed comprehensively. Emulsions of hard-sphere-type droplets and deformable droplets, with and without surfactants, are covered. The mathematical models describing the rheological behaviour of non-dilute emulsions are discussed. The influences of electric charge and interfacial rheology on the rheological behaviour of emulsions are covered in detail. The flocculation of droplets caused by different mechanisms, such as depletion and bridging induced by additives, and their effect on emulsion rheology are investigated thoroughly. Finally, the dynamic rheology of non-dilute emulsions is discussed, covering both pure oil–water interfaces and additive-laden interfaces. The mathematical models describing the dynamic rheological behaviour of non-dilute emulsions are described. Based on the existing theoretical and empirical models, it is possible to a priori predict the rheology of non-dilute emulsions. However, serious gaps in the existing knowledge on non-dilute emulsion rheology remain. This review identifies the gaps in existing knowledge and points out future directions in research related to non-dilute emulsion rheology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Colloids and Interfaces)

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10 pages, 2714 KB

Open AccessArticle

Underwater Superoleophobic Carbon Paper/Pt Composite Electrodes for Improving Kolbe Electrochemical Production

by Jielin Liu, Qiang Li, Lingxin Wang, Jinlong Zha, Lu Gao, Siyu Sheng, Wanmei Liu, Yuzhen Ning, Zhihong Zhao, Kesong Liu and Lei Jiang

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10020027 - 23 Mar 2026

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Abstract

The acquisition of liquid energy sources and basic chemicals from washing water via Kolbe electrolysis is of great significance for achieving the goal of carbon-neutrality. However, oleophilic products tend to adhere to the platinum (Pt) electrode, which results in a shortened working life [...] Read more.

The acquisition of liquid energy sources and basic chemicals from washing water via Kolbe electrolysis is of great significance for achieving the goal of carbon-neutrality. However, oleophilic products tend to adhere to the platinum (Pt) electrode, which results in a shortened working life for Kolbe electrolysis. To address these issues, a novel method for endowing carbon fiber paper electrodes with underwater superoleophobic properties through simple electrodeposition is reported herein. The underwater superoleophobic electrodes improve the efficiency of the Kolbe electrolysis reaction, as oleophilic products can be easily removed from the electrode surface, thereby exposing more active reaction sites. Importantly, the underwater superoleophobic electrodes have fully demonstrated their capability of excellent electrochemical performance, stability, and durability. This work provides a novel approach for the design of high-performance electrodes in organic electro-catalysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Functional Materials and Interfaces for Sustainable Technology Development)

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13 pages, 2669 KB

Open AccessArticle

Computational Insights into Carbon Nanocones as Sorption Materials for Nerve Agent

by Veton Haziri, Avni Berisha and Klemen Bohinc

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10020026 - 9 Mar 2026

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Abstract

The dangerous potential of chemical warfare requires immediate development of new materials capable of detecting and efficiently adsorbing the toxic nerve agents VX and Novichok (A-234). The current adsorbents fail to achieve sufficient detection efficiency and specific binding capabilities. Our research, conducted through [...] Read more.

The dangerous potential of chemical warfare requires immediate development of new materials capable of detecting and efficiently adsorbing the toxic nerve agents VX and Novichok (A-234). The current adsorbents fail to achieve sufficient detection efficiency and specific binding capabilities. Our research, conducted through advanced computational modeling, predicts that carbon nanocones (CNCs) could function as effective molecular traps for these toxic substances. The research combines density functional theory (DFT) with molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to explain the basic principles of molecular trapping by these agents. The nanocone shape produces two distinct and selective binding areas. MC shows preferential trapping VX molecules within the internal concave surface (P1), while A-234 molecules are strongly adsorbed on the external convex surface (P2). Docking results complement this by showing that A-234 exhibits stronger single-molecule binding on the more open surface, consistent with its preference for P2. The nanocone captures molecules through van der Waals forces, which produce measurable electronic changes that modify its electronic signature. The research demonstrates that carbon nanocones represent a promising candidate material for the future development of chemical defense systems, potentially including sensitive detection systems and advanced filtration technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ten Years Without Nikola Kallay: 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 1080 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Rational Design of Lecithin–Cholesterol Liposomes for Encapsulation and Sustained Release of Diclofenac

by Ángela Sánchez-García, Francisco Ortega, Ramón G. Rubio and Eduardo Guzmán

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10020025 - 4 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Liposomes are widely recognized as versatile nanocarriers in drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, tunable physicochemical properties, and ability to incorporate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. In this study, the encapsulation and release of diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), using lecithin–cholesterol liposomes [...] Read more.

Liposomes are widely recognized as versatile nanocarriers in drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, tunable physicochemical properties, and ability to incorporate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. In this study, the encapsulation and release of diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), using lecithin–cholesterol liposomes are explored. Encapsulation parameters were first optimized with calcein as a model fluorophore, confirming that cholesterol addition enhances encapsulation efficiency by reducing membrane permeability. Guided by these results, liposomes containing equal weight fractions of lecithin and cholesterol were selected as an optimized formulation, providing calcein and diclofenac encapsulation efficiencies up to approximately 35% while maintaining hydrodynamic diameters below 300 nm with low polydispersity (PdI < 0.2), optimal for intravenous administration and prolonged systemic circulation. Release studies demonstrated sustained drug release over 15 days, with cumulative release exceeding 80%. Weibull modeling yielded

θ_{\infty}

≈ 1 and β values up to ~1.6 at higher loadings, with β > 1 indicating a complex, sigmoidal (non-Fickian) release mechanism. These findings support the potential of liposomes as delivery platforms for NSAIDs with solubility and bioavailability limitations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocolloids and Biointerfaces: 3rd Edition)

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13 pages, 4924 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Lipid-Based Nanofungicide Formulation for Effective Control of Ganoderma boninense in Oil Palm

by Azren Aida Asmawi, Nur Ain Izzati Mohd Zainudin, Nurul Aini Mohd Azman, Fatmawati Adam, Nurul Farhana Ahmad Aljafree, Mohamad Firdaus Ahmad and Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10020024 - 3 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Palm oil is a major agricultural commodity and an important economic driver in Asia. However, the sustainability and productivity of this crop are constantly threatened by a range of pathogenic fungi, especially Ganoderma boninense. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an eco-friendly [...] Read more.

Palm oil is a major agricultural commodity and an important economic driver in Asia. However, the sustainability and productivity of this crop are constantly threatened by a range of pathogenic fungi, especially Ganoderma boninense. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an eco-friendly hexaconazole-loaded nanoemulsion (Hexa-NE) for effective and targeted fungicide delivery while reducing environmental and health impacts. The optimized Hexa-NE formulation was evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, pH, viscosity, and morphology using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Fungicide release, stability, and antifungal activity were conducted to assess the overall efficacy and performance of the formulation. The Hexa-NE exhibited particle size of 105.8 nm, a PDI of 0.358, a zeta potential of −53.53 mV. The formulation remained stable over three months of storage. It also demonstrated favourable physicochemical properties including low viscosity (30.24 mPa·s), low surface tension (23.87 mN/m), and suitable pH (6.14) for foliar application. TEM and SEM analyses confirmed spherical droplets and revealed significant hyphal damage to G. boninense. The antifungal test showed a higher inhibition of 97.1% at 0.1 µM of Hexa-NE as compared to hexaconazole solution which only 40% at the same concentration. Release studies exhibited a sustained release of hexaconazole, which may prolonged fungicidal activity. In conclusion, Hexa-NE showed promising laboratory-scale antifungal performance against G. boninense. These findings support its potential for further investigation as a nanoformulated fungicide for future greenhouse and field evaluations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art of Colloid and Interface Science in Asia)

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Colloids Interfaces, Volume 10, Issue 2 (April 2026) – 9 articles

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