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A special issue of Colloids and Interfaces (ISSN 2504-5377).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2026) | Viewed by 15342

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Prof. Dr. To Ngai

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
Interests: colloidal particle; interfacial science; polymer and soft materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Xiuying Qiao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Interests: polymer; polymer composites; rheology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will serve as a comprehensive overview of the latest advance and innovative research in the field of colloids and interfaces from Asia, but contributions from researchers outside Asia are also welcome.

This Special Issue will cover a wide range of topics including, but not limited to, experimental and theoretical aspects of interfacial phenomena, the fabrication and characterization of colloidal systems, properties of solutions of surface-active molecules, self-assembling and aggregation in solution and at interfaces, fluid dynamics, applications of colloids and interfacial aspects in biology, medicine, cosmetics, food and material science, and new emerging directions in colloid and interface science. Through original research articles, reviews and short communications, this Special Issue will provide significant insights into the state-of-the-art methods and technologies being developed by Asia researchers.

Contributions from leading academic institutions, research centers and industry experts will enhance the diversity and universality of collected articles. This Special Issue will expand perspectives, inspire innovation, and promote cooperation for the research of colloids and interfaces.

Prof. Dr. To Ngai
Dr. Xiuying Qiao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Colloids and Interfaces is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

colloids
interfaces
interfacial phenomena
surface-active molecules
self-assembling
fluid dynamics
rheology
nanotechnology
application

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Related Special Issues

Colloids Science in Asia in Colloids and Interfaces (4 articles)
State of the Art of Colloid and Interface Science in Asia: 2nd Edition in Colloids and Interfaces

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 151 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial: State of the Art of Colloid and Interface Science in Asia

by To Ngai and Xiuying Qiao

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10030034 - 27 Apr 2026

Viewed by 185

Abstract

This Special Issue brings together a diverse collection of contributions that highlight the rapid advances and emerging directions in colloid and interface science across Asia [...] Full article

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

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

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

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 601

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 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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17 pages, 1725 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wetting Behavior of Cationic and Anionic Surfactants on Hydrophobic Surfaces: Surface Tension and Contact Angle Measurements

by Sujit Kumar Shah, Rojina Bhattarai, Sujata Gautam, Pawan Shah and Ajaya Bhattarai

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10010008 - 8 Jan 2026

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1102

Abstract

In this study, cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and anionic surfactant sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) are employed to systematically investigate surface and wetting properties on hydrophobic surfaces, specifically in mixed solvents composed of ethylene glycol (EG) and water at 298.15 K. By varying the concentration of each surfactant within the EG–water mixture, both surface tension and contact angle measurements are performed to elucidate how surfactant type and solvent composition influence interfacial behavior and wettability. PTFE and wax surfaces were chosen as model hydrophobic surfaces. Surface tension measurements obtained in pure water and in water–EG mixtures containing 5, 10, and 20 volume percentage EG reveal a consistent decrease in the premicellar slope (

\frac{d γ}{d \log C}

) with increasing EG content. This reduction reflects weakened hydrophobic interactions and less effective surfactant adsorption at the air–solution interface. The corresponding decline in maximum surface excess (

Γ_{m a x}

) and increase in minimum area per molecule (

A_{m i n}

) confirm looser interfacial packing due to EG participation in the solvation layer. Plots of adhesion tension (A_T) versus surface tension (γ) exhibit negative slopes, consistent with reduced solid–liquid interfacial tension (

Γ_{L G}

) and greater redistribution of surfactant molecules toward the solid–liquid interface. AOT shows stronger sensitivity to EG compared to CTAB, reflecting structural headgroup-specific adsorption behavior. Work of adhesion (W_A) measurements demonstrate enhanced wettability at higher EG concentrations, highlighting the cooperative impact of co-solvent environment and surfactant type on wetting phenomena. Full article

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

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11 pages, 1014 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate on Surface Properties of Dispersions of Oat Globulin Fibrils

by Boris A. Noskov, Alexey G. Bykov, Alexandra D. Khrebina, Evlaliya A. Levchuk, Giuseppe Loglio, Reinhard Miller and Egor A. Tsyganov

Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(6), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9060089 - 17 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 580

Abstract

The formation of mixed adsorption layers of amyloid fibrils of a plant protein, oat globulin (OG), and a strong polyelectrolyte, sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), at the liquid–gas interface was studied by measurements of the kinetic dependencies of surface tension, dynamic surface elasticity, and ellipsometric angle. The micromorphology of the layers was determined by atomic force microscopy. A strong increase in the surface elasticity was discovered when both components had similar concentrations and formed a network of threadlike aggregates at the interface, thereby explaining the high foam stability in this concentration range. The sequential adsorption of PSS and OG resulted in the formation of thick mixed multilayers and the surface elasticity increased with the number of duplex layers. Full article

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

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10 pages, 2193 KB

Open AccessArticle

Atomically Dispersed Pt–Sn Nanocluster Catalysts for Enhanced Toluene Hydrogenation in LOHC Systems

by Jun Wang, Hao Lin, Qizhong Chan, Yaohong Zhao and Xiaohui He

Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(6), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9060085 - 10 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 839

Abstract

Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) are promising materials for safe, reversible, and high-density hydrogen storage. Atomically dispersed bimetallic Pt–Sn nanocluster catalysts supported on TiO₂ (Pt–Sn/TiO₂) were developed to enhance the hydrogenation step in the toluene-methylcyclohexane cycle, a model LOHC system. Compared with monometallic Pt/TiO₂ and Sn/TiO₂, Pt–Sn/TiO₂ exhibited superior hydrogenation performance. Mechanistic studies, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, kinetic analysis, and H₂-D₂ exchange experiments, revealed that Sn incorporation modulates the electronic structure of Pt, enhancing H₂ activation and spillover. These findings provide insights into the rational design of atomically dispersed bimetallic nanocluster catalysts for efficient and durable hydrogen storage in LOHC-based systems. Full article

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

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15 pages, 3196 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Recovery of an Arsenopyrite-Type Gold Ore: Flotation Surface Chemistry and Kinetics of Blended Collector W8 with ADD

by Qingqing Xing, Fei Li, Pingtian Ming and Zhen Wang

Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(6), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9060076 - 22 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 941

Abstract

This study investigated the flotation performance of W8, a blended xanthate collector containing ethyl, butyl, propyl, and amyl xanthates, combined with ammonium dibutyl dithiophosphate (ADD) for treating low-grade arsenopyrite-type gold ore from Golmud, Qinghai. Real ore flotation tests demonstrated the superior efficacy of the W8 + ADD system, achieving 84.06% gold recovery with 0.34 g/t tailings, outperforming conventional sodium amyl xanthate (SAX) + ADD and sodium propyl xanthate (SPX) + ADD systems. Systematic studies on pure arsenopyrite revealed a significant synergistic effect in the mixed SPX-SAX system (1:4 ratio), representative of W8 composition. At pH 9, the mixed collector achieved 73.5% recovery, substantially higher than individual SPX (37.5%) or SAX (45.8%). This enhanced performance was attributed to improved surface hydrophobicity (contact angle 47.68° vs. 36.92° for SAX), greater adsorption density (4.97 × 10⁻⁷ mol/g under depressant conditions), and extensive formation of molecular aggregates observed via AFM, which increased surface roughness to 28.95 nm. Flotation kinetics further confirmed the advantage of W8 + ADD, which reached 72.1% cumulative recovery in 420 s, exceeding both mixed SPX/SAX (69.5%) and single SAX (65.5%) systems. The synergistic interaction among different xanthate components in W8 enables efficient recovery of gold from this refractory ore. Full article

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

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14 pages, 1599 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A SERS Substrate for Ultrafast Photosynthetic Au Nanoparticle Growth on WO₃ Nanowires

by Shiyong Meng, Qingsong Deng, Lin Zhang, Yibo Feng, Lei Fan, Yuxin Liu, Danmin Liu and Cong Wang

Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(5), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9050070 - 14 Oct 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1349

Abstract

The practical adoption of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology is often hampered by the high cost, complex fabrication, and poor reproducibility of conventional substrates, which typically rely on noble metals or inefficient semiconductors. Herein, we address key challenges in the practical commercialization of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology by reporting a facile, scalable, and environmentally benign strategy for fabricating a hybrid SERS substrate. This approach integrates Au nanoparticles (NPs) with hydrothermally synthesized WO₃ nanowires through a green photoreduction process, which is rapid, organic-solvent-free, and amenable to large-scale production. The design of the Au/WO₃ nanocomposite capitalizes on the synergistic effect between electromagnetic (EM) enhancement from Au NPs and chemical mechanism (CM) enhancement via charge transfer involving the WO₃ semiconductor. This synergy empowers the substrate with exceptional SERS activity, enabling the sensitive detection of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) down to 10⁻¹¹ M and yielding an enhancement factor (EF) of 4.09 × 10⁶. More importantly, this EM-CM synergy proves critical for detecting molecules with weak affinity, such as the nerve agent simulant dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), achieving a significant signal enhancement of 10²–10³ times, which is notably challenging for conventional plasmonic substrates. Beyond sensitivity, the substrate exhibits excellent reproducibility and operational stability, which are paramount for real-world applications. This work presents a nanohybrid strategy that successfully balances scalability, stability, and sensitivity, offering a reliable and cost-effective pathway for advancing SERS technologies toward practical implementation. Full article

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

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15 pages, 4888 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Rapid Removal of Sizing Agent from Carbon Fiber Surface by Liquid-Phase Plasma Electrolysis

by Chiyuhao Huang, Qian Zhou, Maoyuan Li, Xiaolin Wei, Dongqin Li, Xin He and Weiwei Chen

Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(5), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9050057 - 1 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1806

Abstract

In this study, liquid-phase plasma electrolysis (LPE) was successfully employed to remove the sizing agent from T800 carbon fiber surfaces. Through systematic investigation of varying arcing voltages (185–215 V) and electrode spacings (10–20 mm), we determined that an optimal combination of 200 V and 10 mm spacing achieved near-complete sizing removal, as confirmed by SEM, TGA, and XPS analyses. Under this condition, plasma bombardment dominated the removal mechanism, eliminating sizing residues while exposing the underlying fiber grooves. TGA further demonstrated that in samples treated at a 10 mm interval, the weight loss of LPE samples before 300 °C was negligible, indicating that the sizing agent had been thoroughly removed. The results of XPS further confirmed the high efficiency of LPE in the removal of sizing agents (C-O bond content from 41.6% to 26.9%), and the retention of C-O also proved that LPE could maintain the surface activity of carbon fibers, confirming the effectiveness of LPE in decomposing the sizing agent. Meanwhile, based on the above test results, an attempt was made to explain the mechanism of LPE in removing sizing agents from the surface of carbon fibers. Full article

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

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10 pages, 2398 KB

Open AccessArticle

APTES-Modified Interface Optimization in PbS Quantum Dot SWIR Photodetectors and Its Influence on Optoelectronic Properties

by Qian Lei, Lei Rao, Wencan Deng, Xiuqin Ao, Fan Fang, Wei Chen, Jiaji Cheng, Haodong Tang and Junjie Hao

Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(4), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9040049 - 22 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1675

Abstract

Lead sulfide colloidal quantum dots (PbS QDs) have demonstrated great potential in short-wave infrared (SWIR) photodetectors due to their tunable bandgap, low cost, and broad spectral response. While significant progress has been made in surface ligand modification and defect state passivation, studies focusing on the interface between QDs and electrodes remain limited, which hinders further improvement in device performance. In this work, we propose an interface engineering strategy based on 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to enhance the interfacial contact between PbS QD films and ITO interdigitated electrodes, thereby significantly boosting the overall performance of SWIR photodetectors. Experimental results demonstrate that the optimal 0.5 h APTES treatment duration significantly enhances responsivity by achieving balanced interface passivation and charge carrier transport. Moreover, The APTES-modified device exhibits a controllable dark current and faster photo-response under 1310 nm illumination. This interface engineering approach provides an effective pathway for the development of high-performance PbS QD-based SWIR photodetectors, with promising applications in infrared imaging, spectroscopy, and optical communication. Full article

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

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9 pages, 1292 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Exploring the Feasibility of a Microchip Laser Ablation Method for the Preparation of Biopolymer-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles: Case Studies with Gelatin and Collagen

by Nazgul Assan, Tomoyuki Suezawa, Yuta Uetake, Yumi Yakiyama, Michiya Matsusaki and Hidehiro Sakurai

Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(4), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9040042 - 20 Jun 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1833

Abstract

Introducing small-sized metal nanoparticles directly into biopolymers susceptible to thermal and chemical stimulations remains a significant challenge. Recently, we showed a novel approach to fabricating gold nanoparticles through pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) using a microchip laser (MCL). Despite its lower pulse energy compared to conventional lasers, this technique demonstrates high ablation efficiency, offering the potential to produce composites without compromising the distinctive structure of biopolymers. As a proof of concept, we successfully generated gelatin-stabilized gold nanoparticles with a smaller size (average diameter of approximately 4 nm), while preserving the unchanged circular dichroism (CD) spectra, indicating the retention of gelatin’s unique structure. Extending this technique to the preparation of type I collagen-stabilized gold nanoparticles yielded non-aggregated nanoparticles, although challenges in yield still persist. These results highlight the potential of the microchip laser ablation technique for producing metal nanoparticles within a vulnerable matrix. Full article

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

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Review

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15 pages, 3955 KB

Open AccessReview

Biocompatible Emulsions Stabilized by Natural Silk Fibroin

by Xiuying Qiao, Reinhard Miller, Emanuel Schneck and Kang Sun

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10010013 - 26 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 848

Abstract

Due to its amphiphilicity, the natural fibrous structural protein, silk fibroin (SF), can adsorb at the oil/water interface, form protective viscoelastic layers, and stabilize emulsions. Biocompatible SF-stabilized emulsions can be used in different fields of cosmetics, food, drug delivery, and biomedicine. Depending on the silk processing method, various emulsion types can be obtained, such as film-stabilized emulsions stabilized by SF molecules and Pickering emulsions stabilized by nanostructured SF or SF particles. Nanostructured SF and SF particles, with β-sheet dominated secondary structures, can overcome the drawback of SF molecules with unstable conformation transition during application, and thus endow higher emulsion stability than SF molecules. The emulsions stabilized by SF nanoparticles can endure heat and high ionic strength, while the emulsions stabilized by SF nanofibers show superior stability at high temperature, high salinity, and low pH due to the strong interfacial entangled nanofiber networks. In this review, the recent progress in research on SF-stabilized emulsions is summarized and generalized, including a systematic comparison of the stabilization mechanisms for different SF morphologies, and the influences of the emulsion fabrication technique, component type and proportions, and environmental conditions on the microstructures and properties of SF-stabilized emulsions. Understanding the stabilization mechanism and factors influencing the emulsion stability is of great significance for the design, preparation and application of SF-stabilized emulsions. Full article

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

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17 pages, 6759 KB

Open AccessReview

Novel Structural Janus Hydrogels for Battery Applications: Structure Design, Properties, and Prospects

by Ping Li and Qiushi Wang

Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(4), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9040048 - 19 Jul 2025

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2236

Abstract

Janus hydrogels, defined by their asymmetric architectures and bifunctional interfaces, have emerged as a transformative class of solid-state electrolytes in electrochemical energy storage. By integrating spatially distinct chemomechanical and ionic functionalities within a single matrix, they overcome the intrinsic limitations of conventional isotropic hydrogels, offering enhanced interfacial stability, directional ion transport, and dendrite suppression in lithium- and zinc-based batteries. This mini-review systematically highlights recent breakthroughs in Janus hydrogel design, including interfacial polymerization and layer-by-layer assembly, which collectively enable precise modulation of crosslinking gradients and ion transport pathways. This review uniquely frames Janus hydrogels from a battery-centric and interface-engineering perspective. It elucidates key structure–function correlations, identifies current limitations in scalable fabrication and electrochemical longevity, and outlines future directions toward intelligent, multifunctional platforms for next-generation flexible and biointegrated energy systems. Full article

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

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