Advances in Gel Films (2nd Edition)
A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Processing and Engineering".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 505
Special Issue Editors
Interests: ZnO; gels; films; oxides; chemical synthesis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: development of light-sensitive materials, especially oxides (simple/composite, insulators and semiconductors) by using wet chemical methods (e.g., sol–gel); synthesis/characterization of noble metal nanoparticles using capping agents; development and characterization of hybrid materials (organic–inorganic) such as biocatalysts obtained by immobilization of enzymes on inorganic carriers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
We are delighted to present the Special Issue "Advances in Gel Films (2nd Edition)", which explores the intricate world of gel film science—spanning organic, hybrid, and inorganic (simple and composite) films with extensive functionality across material science, biomaterials, and catalysis, including bio- and photocatalysis.
The incorporation of bioactive markers and/or engineered nanoparticles into various gel matrices has enabled the development of complex structures with significant biomedical potential, drawing upon substantial human and logistical resources. At the same time, inorganic and hybrid coatings designed for depollution and environmentally friendly technologies—fields of high economic and research impact—continue to attract great interest. Among the many synthesis and processing methods under study, particular attention is devoted to the versatile sol–gel deposition process, one of the most adaptable and straightforward approaches for fabricating thin films with tailored properties.
Widely explored by the scientific community, sol–gel reactions from alkoxide solutions can produce a diverse array of inorganic networks. The resulting materials have found applications in optics, electronics, sensing, biomedicine, and material science. Notably, the sol–gel process enables the incorporation of additional elements or substances into precursor solutions, allowing the creation of gel films with customized functionalities. Moreover, it provides precise control over particle size, orientation, crystal structure, and morphology. Through the sequential steps of sol preparation, gelation, and solvent removal, the sol–gel process has demonstrated remarkable versatility. The ease with which dopants and other agents can be embedded into thin films has fostered numerous innovations over the past two decades.
This Special Issue highlights recent advances in the theoretical foundations, synthesis methodologies, and characterization techniques that underpin the functionality of gel films, with special emphasis on the transformative role of the sol–gel deposition process. We invite you to engage with cutting-edge research presented here and to discover the innovative strides being made in this dynamic field.
We extend our appreciation to all contributors for their invaluable efforts and unwavering commitment to advancing our understanding of gel film science.
Dr. Cristina Maria Vladut
Dr. Crina Anastasescu
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. Gels is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2100 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
- gel films
- sol-gel synthesis
- film deposition
- film characterization
- film applications
- biomaterials
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
Related Special Issue
- Advances in Gel Films in Gels (6 articles)
