Characterization Techniques for Hydrogels and Their Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The development of novel functional materials is currently a major challenge to addressing specific problems not only in the environmental field but also in chemistry and biotechnology. In this sense, macromolecular chemistry is of great interest to produce processable materials with unique and valuable properties. Among them, polymer films and hydrogel structures offer new possibilities for scientists to create synthetic materials. Particularly, the incorporation of different transition metal ions and rare-earth elements into macromolecular architectures, thus allowing the combination of the physicochemical properties of both materials. In this sense, the use of spectroscopic and rheological techniques is necessary to achieve both the chemical structures and mechanical properties for the resulting materials as well as the success in their applications in different areas. Among them, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is the goal characterization technique to resolve chemical structures from small molecules to macromolecules. In addition, the material can be dissolved in different deuterated solvents and studied in the swollen or solid state. In some cases, ATR-FTIR or Raman techniques are commonly used for the bulk characterization of functional groups or chemical modifications in broad types of materials. Additionally, the use of electronic microscopies (SEM or TEM) coupled with EDX detectors can analyze the atomic elemental composition and localization, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can also study the electronic state for different elements, which is extremely important in catalytic systems.

The aim of this Special Issue is to receive articles, comprehensive reviews, short communications, and perspectives, with topics addressing—but not limited to—the key findings and contributions on advanced hydrogels or supramolecular materials, with particular emphasis on their structure at different levels, including advanced characterization techniques (mechanical and spectroscopic tools) and their applications (catalysis, remediation, sorption processes, batteries, etc.).

Prof. Dr. Juan Manuel Lázaro-Martínez
Guest Editor

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• characterization
• spectroscopies
• NMR
• XPS
• mechanical properties