Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Novel Polymer-Based Gels

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advancements in polymer science have led to the development of novel polymer-based gels with unique properties and diverse applications. These gels are synthesized through various methods, including free-radical polymerization, click chemistry, and supramolecular assembly, allowing precise control over their structure and functionality. Key innovations include stimuli-responsive hydrogels that adapt to environmental changes (e.g., pH, temperature, or light), self-healing gels with dynamic covalent bonds, and nanocomposite gels reinforced with nanoparticles or 2D materials for enhanced mechanical strength.

These gels exhibit exceptional properties, such as high elasticity, tunable porosity, and biocompatibility, making them suitable for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, soft robotics, and wastewater treatment. Such applications involve hydrogels incorporated or encapsulated with healing agents, the interaction between hydrogels and the cementitious matrix, self-healing mechanisms, and the impact of hydrogels on self-healing in cement, alkali-activated materials, and supplementary cementitious materials. For instance, conductive polymer gels are being explored for flexible electronics, while biodegradable polysaccharide-based gels are gaining traction in sustainable packaging and agriculture.

Despite their potential, challenges remain in scalability, long-term stability, and cost-effective production. Given the breadth of the field, this Special Issue will feature only a select few exemplary papers, recognizing that it is impossible to encompass all aspects of polymer gels in a single publication. We hope that these topics will inspire new research and discoveries in the field of polymer gels.

Prof. Dr. Peng Zhang
Prof. Dr. Yuanxun Zheng
Dr. Zhen Gao
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. 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.

• polymer gels
• stimuli-responsive
• self-healing
• nanocomposite
• drug delivery
• tissue engineering
• soft robotics
• wastewater treatment
• cementitious matrix
• flexible electronics
• sustainable packaging
• agriculture