Colloidal systems and interfacial phenomena underpin a multitude of applied technologies through their ability to control the evolution and interactions of dispersed phases. Thus, many industrial processes use interfacial forces to stabilise or destabilise emulsions, foams, and suspensions in order to meet specific requirements.
The modern understanding of colloids and interfaces, developed over many decades, is also used to optimise the performance of formulated products—from foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals to detergents and coatings—where texture, stability, rheology, nutrition and sensory attributes depend on specific interfacial design. For example, the latest developments in the energy and environmental sectors apply the properties of colloids to enable enhanced recovery of crude oil, improvements in solid–liquid separation for water treatment, the design of alternative catalysts, the handling of battery and mineral slurries, and the development of high-surface-area carbon-capture foams. In food science and nutrition, meanwhile, (nano)emulsion formulations based on interfacial properties can be used as colloidal delivery systems for targeted application.
Materials manufacturing relies on colloidal control to disperse solid particles for paints, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical applications, as well as processing ceramics, formulating functional inks, and assembling nanoparticles into films or composites.
Across these sectors, interfaces dictate rheology, optical properties, shelf life, and process efficiency. Overall, colloid and interface science enables many industries to engineer complex, high-performance products and processes. Therefore, this section of Colloids and Interfaces encourages the submission of high-quality contributions dealing with the broad range of technologies in which colloids and interfaces are component parts. These contributions will often be multidisciplinary in nature and focus on established and emerging technologies, both chemical and biological, aiming to improve products and processes. New research results or reviews and critiques of the published literature are welcome. We also encourage the submission of novel or speculative application-based research that would be of interest to the colloids and interfaces community.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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