2D Crystals for Zeroing Energy Expenses in the Construction Sector

Dear Colleagues,

In the history of the construction sector, material innovation has triggered new evolutionary processes. Innovative materials have led to new structural and energy performance levels in construction, often revolutionising the industry. Significant innovations include using nanotechnology materials, whose application has improved the performance of individual building components. In this context, the latest frontier is represented by two-dimensional materials, whose best-known element is graphene. Two-dimensional materials are characterised by extraordinary properties (e.g. physical and chemical), yet applications in the construction sector are still limited. However, applying 2D materials in construction composites can open up new scenarios in the progressive decarbonisation of the construction sector and contribute to a reduction in the environmental impact of the building industry. This Special Issue is intended to be a cornerstone in the literature on the applications of 2D materials, such as graphene and graphene-related materials, in the construction sector to achieve a net zero construction industry. In addition, it aims to collect the main research experiences concerning the main production techniques suitable for the construction sector and lessons learnt from other advanced construction materials with the potential of driving improvements in the 2D sector. The preferred types of articles are research articles, reviews, and communications. The main topics concern applications of 2D materials in construction materials.

The main, but not limited, topics are focused on 2D crystals applied in:

• cement composites
• lime composites
• geopolymer composites
• polymer coating
• smart concrete
• smart materials
• self-sensing materials
• self-heating materials
• phase-changing materials
• electrochromic glasses
• advanced construction materials

Dr. A. E. Del Rio Castillo
Dr. Federica Pascale
Dr. Salvatore Polverino
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Energies 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 2600 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.

• 2D materials
• 2D materials applicable in the construction industry
• graphene-based construction materials
• graphene-based cement composites
• graphene-based coatings
• graphene-based sustainable construction materials
• graphene-based multifunctional materials
• graphene-based smart materials