Announcements

MDPI is delighted to announce the establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award. Named in honor of Professor Michele Parrinello, the award celebrates his exceptional contributions and his profound impact on the field of computational physical science research.

The award will be presented biennially to distinguished scientists who have made outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of computational physical science—spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science.

About Professor Michele Parrinello

"Do not be afraid of new things. I see it many times when we discuss a new thing that young people are scared to go against the mainstream a little bit, thinking what is going to happen to me and so on. Be confident that what you do is meaningful, and do not be afraid, do not listen too much to what other people have to say.”

——Professor Michele Parrinello

Born in Messina in 1945, he received his degree from the University of Bologna and is currently affiliated with the Italian Institute of Technology. Professor Parrinello is known for his many technical innovations in the field of atomistic simulations and for a wealth of interdisciplinary applications ranging from materials science to chemistry and biology. Together with Roberto Car, he introduced ab initio molecular dynamics, also known as the Car–Parrinello method, marking the beginning of a new era both in the area of electronic structure calculations and in molecular dynamics simulations. He is also known for the Parrinello–Rahman method, which allows crystalline phase transitions to be studied by molecular dynamics. More recently, he has introduced metadynamics for the study of rare events and the calculation of free energies.

For his work, he has been awarded many prizes and honorary degrees. He is a member of numerous academies and learned societies, including the German Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, the British Royal Society, and the Italian Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, which is the major academy in his home country of Italy.

Award Committee

The award committee will be chaired by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, a computational condensed matter physicist, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and professor at the Department of Physics, Fudan University. Professor Xin-Gao Gong will lead a panel of several senior experts in the field to oversee the evaluation and selection process. The Institute for Computational Physical Sciences at Fudan University (Shanghai, China), led by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, will serve as the supporting institute for the award.

"We hope the Michele Parrinello Award will recognize scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of computational condensed matter physics and at the same time set a benchmark for the younger generation, providing clear direction for their pursuit—this is precisely the original intention behind establishing the award."

——Professor Xin-Gao Gong

The first edition of the award was officially launched on 1 November 2025. Nominations will be accepted before the end of March 2026. For further details, please visit mparrinelloaward.org.

About the MDPI Sustainability Foundation and MDPI Awards

The Michele Parrinello Award is part of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing sustainable development through scientific progress and global collaboration. The foundation also oversees the World Sustainability Award, the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award, and the Tu Youyou Award. The establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award will further enrich the existing award portfolio, providing continued and diversified financial support to outstanding professionals across various fields. 

In addition to these foundation-level awards, MDPI journals also recognize outstanding contributions through a range of honors, including Best Paper Awards, Outstanding Reviewer Awards, Young Investigator Awards, Travel Awards, Best PhD Thesis Awards, Editor of Distinction Awards, and others. These initiatives aim to recognize excellence across disciplines and career stages, contributing to the long-term vitality and sustainability of scientific research.

Find more information on awards here.

We are honored to recognize the 2024 MDPI Top 1000 Reviewers—scholars whose exemplary commitment to rigorous and constructive peer review is vital in upholding the highest standards of academic publishing.

Selected from a distinguished pool of 215,000 reviewers from 65 countries and regions worldwide, these honorees stand out for their exceptional expertise, diligence, and dedication to advancing research through timely and thoughtful reviews. Their constructive and impartial feedback ensures the publication of high-quality, impactful research, while their timely reviews facilitate swift revisions and faster publication of innovative work.

Peer review is the invisible foundation of academic progress. With gratitude and respect, we celebrate these 1000 scholars who made that foundation stronger in 2024. We respected all privacy preferences, with part of nominees opting for limited attribution.

The names of these reviewers are listed below in alphabetical order by first name:

In 2025, driven by its commitment to high-quality publishing and international academic exchange, Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has continued to thrive as a leading international open access journal. With the strong support of its Editorial Board Members, the journal has organized multiple editorial board meetings and events by leveraging a series of academic conferences and the geographical advantages of having an International Editorial Office. Our aim was to enhance collaboration within the materials science community, spotlight emerging research trends, and further strengthen the journal’s academic influence. Below is a summary of the Editorial Board meetings that were held this year.

The meetings included in-depth discussions on journal development strategies, recent breakthroughs within materials science, and the responsibilities that accompany being part of our Editorial Board. Participating experts also provided interesting insights on topics, including the applications of AI in academic publishing, how to improve the submission experience for our authors, how to strengthen academic collaboration, and upcoming conference suggestions. These discussions have reinforced the partnership between the journal and its Editorial Board and offered valuable guidance for the journal’s future development.

In the upcoming year, Materials will continue to collaborate closely with its Editorial Board to maintain research integrity, support innovative research, and serve the evolving needs of the global materials science community. Through active participation in key academic events worldwide, the journal remains dedicated to connecting with researchers and advancing materials science.

Conference: ACS Spring 2026
Organization: American Chemical Society
Date: 22−26 March 2026
Place: Atlanta, GA, USA
Booth: #726

A number of MDPI journals will be attending ACS Spring 2026 as exhibitors, an exciting event being held in Atlanta, GA, USA, from 22 to 26 March 2026.

ACS Meetings & Expositions are the prime location for chemistry professionals to meet in order to exchange ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. By attracting thousands of professionals in the field of chemistry, the meetings provide excellent opportunities for peers to engage with one another and share their passion for chemistry, connecting with one of the world's largest scientific societies and helping to advance careers in this ever-changing global field.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Molecules;
• IJMS;
• DDC;
• Analytica;
• AppliedChem;
• ChemEngineering;
• Colorants;
• Materials;
• Metals;
• Microplastics;
• Molbank;
• Reactions;
• Separations;
• Alloys.

If you are attending the above conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us at our booth, booth #726. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

MDPI offices in Belgrade and Barcelona joined hands to host a meeting for Editorial Board Members of the Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) based in Spain. The meeting was held in Madrid on 10 December 2025.

We are grateful for their attendance and valuable feedback and look forward to further strengthening our collaboration with academics in Spain and around the globe. With simultaneous participation both online and offline, the meeting started with a short introduction to the scholars attending, which continued with the presentation of the recent journal report and then concluded with an insightful discussion on the journal’s current status and its further development in collaboration with scholars.

It was a pleasure to meet with the scholars representing our Editorial Board.

 Attendee List Information (In No Particular Order)

Materials was glad to host the meeting not only to gain feedback from our Academic Editors on the journal development, but also to strengthen its link with the academic community.

We would like to use this opportunity to invite you to read some of the publications and Special Issues in Materials from our Editorial Board Members.

Special Issues:

• “Feature Papers in Materials Physics (2nd Edition)”
  Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Vlassios Likodimos and Prof. Dr. Andres Sotelo
• “Additives/Admixtures, Hydration Process and Durability Research (3rd Edition)”
  Guest Editors: Dr. Jurgita Malaiškienė and Prof. Dr. Carlos Leiva
  Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2026
• “Advances in New Alloys, Polymers and Composites for Biomedical Applications”
  Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Javier Gil, Dr. Marta Pegueroles, Prof. Dr. Andreu Puigdollers and Prof. Dr. Alberto Caprioglio
• “Advances in the Design and Properties of New Ecoconcrete Formulations (2nd Edition)”
  Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Francisco Agrela, Dr. Julia Rosales and Dr. Manuel Cabrera Montenegro
• “Advanced Sustainable Cement-Based Materials”
  Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Francisco Agrela and Dr. Julia Rosales
  Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026
• “Advanced Materials in Implant and Prosthetic Dentistry: From Innovation to Clinical Application”
  Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Tonino Traini and Prof. Dr. Eugenio Velasco-Ortega
  Deadline for manuscript submissions: 23 June 2026
• “Waste Materials: Recycle and Valorize”
  Guest Editors: Dr. Lorena Alcaraz and Dr. Olga Rodríguez Largo
  Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2026 

• “New Discovery of Natural Zeolite-Rich Tuff on the Northern Margin of the Los Frailes Caldera: A Study to Determine Its Performance as a Supplementary Cementitious Material”;
• “Rheological Behavior of Oil Well Cement Slurries with Addition of Core/Shell TiO2@SiO2 Nanoparticles—Effect of Superplasticizer and Temperature”;
• “Development of Acoustic Absorbent Materials Using Pine Needles”;
• “FGD-Gypsum Waste to Capture CO₂ and to Recycle in Building Materials: Optimal Reaction Yield and Preliminary Mechanical Properties”;
• “Life-Cycle Assessment and Environmental Costs of Cement-Based Materials Manufactured with Mixed Recycled Aggregate and Biomass Ash”;
• “An Evaluation of the Radioactive Content of Ashes Obtained from the Use of Fuels from Recycled Materials by Co-Processing in the Cement Industry”;
• “Carbonation Resistance of Ternary Portland Cements Made with Silica Fume and Limestone”.

• “Long-Term Clinical Study on Sandblasted–Acid-Etched Surface Dental Implants: 12-Year Follow-Up”;
• “The Topography of Titanium in Dental Implants: Key to Osseointegration and Bactericidal Capacity”;
• “Effect of Tribocorrosion on Mechanical Behavior of Titanium Dental Implants: An In Vitro Study”;
• “Critical Questions Surrounding the Shot-Blasting Treatment of Titanium Dental Implants”;
• “Mechanical Behavior of PEEK and PMMA Graphene and Ti6Al4V Implant-Supported Frameworks: In Silico Study”.

• “High Purity, Crystallinity and Electromechanical Sensitivity of Lead-Free (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.10Ti0.90)O3 Synthesized Using an EDTA/glycerol Modified Pechini Method”;
• “Multipurpose X-Ray Stage and Its Application for In Situ Poling Studies”;
• “Polyurethanes Made with Blends of Polycarbonates with Different Molecular Weights Showing Adequate Mechanical and Adhesion Properties and Fast Self-Healing at Room Temperature”. 

• “Study of a Fire-Resistant Plate Containing Fly Ashes Generated from Municipal Waste Incinerator: Fire and Mechanical Characteristics and Environmental Life Cycle Assessment”;
• “Sustainable Fire-Resistant Materials: Thermal, Physical, Mechanical, and Environmental Behavior of Walls with Waste from the Aquaculture Industry”;
• “Tensile Fracture Behaviour of Prismatic Notched Specimens of Cold Drawn Pearlitic Steel: A Macro- and Micro-Approach”;
• “Tensile Fracture Behaviour of Prismatic Notched Specimens of Cold Drawn Pearlitic Steel: A Macro- and Micro-Approach”.

We are pleased to share that the Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) successfully held an Editorial Board Members meeting in a hybrid format. We are deeply grateful for the enthusiastic participation and strong support of our members who joined the meeting both in person and online.

The meeting began with a brief overview of MDPI and the journal Materials, including performance statistics and marketing activities, followed by an introduction to our Kraków office. We then discussed the journal’s latest developments, editorial process, peer review standards, and future directions.

Presentation about the journal with all attendees.

We concluded the meeting with an open discussion session, during which Editorial Board Members shared their experiences working with MDPI and provided constructive suggestions for improvement. Their feedback was highly valuable and led to productive exchanges.

Discussion during the EBM meeting.

We sincerely thank all participating Editorial Board Members for their insights, active engagement, and continued support of Materials. Their contributions are essential to the journal’s ongoing growth and commitment to publishing high-quality research. Below is a group photo of the meeting attendees.

Attendee list information (in no particular order):

We are also pleased to collaborate with our Editorial Board Members on several Special Issue projects, including the following:

1. “Corrosion and Protection of Biomaterials” (lead by Prof. Dr. Halina Krawiec);
2. “Next-Generation Biobased Polymer Composites for Green Manufacturing and Sustainability” (lead by Prof. Dr. Marek Kowalczuk);
3. “Environmentally Friendly Adsorption Materials (2nd Edition)” (lead by Prof. Dr. Ewa Skwarek).

In addition, we greatly appreciate our Editorial Board Members’ active contributions to the journal, with a total of 16 publications published since 2024. You can find some of them below:

1. “Zirconia Dental Implant Designs and Surface Modifications: A Narrative Review”
by Michał Ciszyński, Bartosz Chwaliszewski, Wojciech Simka, Marzena Dominiak, Tomasz Gedrange and Jakub Hadzik
Materials 2024, 17(17), 4202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17174202

2. “Investigation of Layered Structure Formation in MgB₂ Wires Produced by the Internal Mg Coating Process under Low and High Isostatic Pressures”
by Daniel Gajda, Michał Babij, Andrzej Zaleski, Doğan Avci, Fırat Karaboga, Hakan Yetis, Ibrahim Belenli and Tomasz Czujko
Materials 2024, 17(6), 1362; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17061362

3. “Optically Stimulated Luminescence Silicone Foils for 2D Dose Mapping in Proton Radiotherapy”
by Michał Sądel, Leszek Grzanka, Jan Swakoń, Damian Wróbel, Sebastian Kusyk, Lily Bossin and Paweł Bilski
Materials 2025, 18(9), 1928; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18091928

4. “Physicochemical Analysis of Composites Based on Yellow Clay, Hydroxyapatite, and Clitoria ternatea L. Obtained via Mechanochemical Metho”
by Klaudia Kowalska and Ewa Skwarek
Materials 2025, 18(13), 3011; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18133011

We look forward to continued collaboration and future discussions with our Editorial Board.

We are pleased to announce that 12 new scholars have been appointed as Editorial Board Members (EBMs) for Materials (ISSN: 1996-144), effective as of November 2025. We wish our new members success in both their research and their efforts to develop the journal.

Name: Prof. Dr. Alessandro Romeo
Affiliation: University of Verona, Italy
Interests: electronic properties of materials; surfaces; interfaces; nanostructures; nanophysics; nanoelectronics; nanophotonics; nanomagnetism; nanoelectromechanics; physical properties of semiconductors and insulators; material growth

Name: Prof. Dr. Anna Witek-Krowiak
Affiliation: Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland
Interests: encapsulation; biopolymers; hydrogel; solid waste management; sorption; fertilizers; waste; waste management; wastewater treatment; environment

Publications in Materials:
1. “Chitosan-Coated Alginate Matrices with Protein-Based Biostimulants: A Controlled-Release System for Sustainable Agriculture”
by Daniel Szopa, Katarzyna Pstrowska and Anna Witek-Krowiak
Materials 2025, 18(3), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030591

2. “Advanced Packaging Techniques—A Mini-Review of 3D Printing Potential”
by Anna Witek-Krowiak, Daniel Szopa and Beata Anwajler
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2997; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122997

3. “Comparative Analysis of Crosslinking Methods and Their Impact on the Physicochemical Properties of SA/PVA Hydrogels”
by Konrad Niewiadomski, Daniel Szopa, Katarzyna Pstrowska, Paulina Wróbel and Anna Witek-Krowiak
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081816

Name: Prof. Dr. Hongyan Ma
Affiliation: Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA
Interests: future cements (cement efficiency enhancing strategies, novel supplementary cementitious materials, and alternative cements); solid waste upcycling; massive CO₂ capture, utilization, and mineralization; thermal energy storage and micro-grid integration; materials characterization; multi-scale modeling; concrete durability; NDT and sensing; nano- and biological technologies in construction;  carbon-negative recovery of critical minerals (e.g., Ni, Co, Li, and Cu)

Publication in Materials:
“Anti-Corrosion Performance of Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement Coating on Steel Reinforcement: The Effect of Boric Acid”
by Fan Zhang, Jihui Qin, Kangyi Cai, John J. Myers and Hongyan Ma
Materials 2024, 17(21), 5310; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215310

Name: Prof. Dr. Maria Kurańska
Affiliation: Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Interests: materials science; chemical engineering; chemistry engineering; agricultural and biological sciences; environmental science; energy; polyurethane; circular economy; biopolyols

Publications in Materials:
1. “Application of Modified Seed Oils of Selected Fruits in the Synthesis of Polyurethane Thermal Insulating Materials”
by Elżbieta Malewska, Maria Kurańska, Maria Tenczyńska and Aleksander Prociak
Materials 2024, 17(1), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17010158

2. “From Bioresources to Thermal Insulation Materials: Synthesis and Properties of Two-Component Open-Cell Spray Polyurethane Foams Based on Bio-Polyols from Used Cooking Oil”
by Krzysztof Polaczek, Maria Kurańska, Elżbieta Malewska, Małgorzata Czerwicka-Pach and Aleksander Prociak
Materials 2023, 16(18), 6139; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186139

3. “The Effect of Rapeseed Oil Biopolyols and Cellulose Biofillers on Selected Properties of Viscoelastic Polyurethane Foams”
by Tomasz Prociak, Dariusz Bogdal, Maria Kuranska, Olga Dlugosz and Mark Kubik
Materials 2024, 17(13), 3357; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133357

Name: Prof. Dr. Rongshan Qin
Affiliation: The Open University, UK
Interests: mesoscale modelling; virtual reality; digital twin

Publication in Materials:
“Visual Computation of Material Microstructure and Deformation”
by Rongshan Qin
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2854; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122854

Name: Prof. Dr. Yunhai Ma
Affiliation: Jilin University, China
Interests: bionic tribology and its application in friction control; bionic drag reduction and wear resistance technology development; bionic design principles for high-performance friction materials; structural bionics of cutting tools for enhanced tribological performance; biomimetic surface engineering for friction reduction in mechanical components; mechanism investigation of bionic structures on friction and wear behavior; bionic optimization of cutting tool materials and interface tribology; development of biomimetic friction-resistant materials for industrial applications

Publications in Materials:
1. “A Comparative Study on Rice Husk, as Agricultural Waste, in the Production of Silica Nanoparticles via Different Methods”
by Shengwang Yuan, Yihao Hou, Shun Liu and Yunhai Ma
Materials 2024, 17(6), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17061271

2. “Microstructure and Wear Resistance of Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy Laser-Clad Ni60/WC Composite Coating”
by Mingjia Feng, Yunhai Ma, Yitong Tian and Hongtu Cao
Materials 2024, 17(1), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17010264

3. “Biomimetic Coupling Structure Increases the Noise Friction and Sound Absorption Effect”
by Yunhai Ma and Wei Ye
Materials 2023, 16(22), 7148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16227148

Name: Dr. Abdollah Saboori
Affiliation: Politecnico di Torino, Italy
Interests: metal additive manufacturing; selective laser melting; electron beam melting; directed energy deposition; stainless steel; titanium alloys; metal matrix composites; materials characterization

Publications in Materials:
1. “Process-Driven Structural and Property Evolution in Laser Powder Bed Fusion of a Newly Developed AISI 316L Stainless Steel”
by Amir Behjat, Morteza Shamanian, Fazlollah Sadeghi, Mohammad Hossein Mosallanejad and Abdollah Saboori
Materials 2025, 18(14), 3343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143343

2. “Fabrication and Characterization of Polycaprolactone–Baghdadite Nanofibers by Electrospinning Method for Tissue Engineering Applications”
by Mir Reza Forogh, Rahmatollah Emadi, Mehdi Ahmadian and Abdollah Saboori
Materials 2024, 17(17), 4187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17174187

3. “An Overview of the Latest Progress in Internal Surface Finishing of the Additively Manufactured Metallic Components”
by Farideh Davoodi, Mohammad Taghian, Giuseppe Carbone, Abdollah Saboori and Luca Iuliano
Materials 2023, 16(10), 3867; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16103867

Name: Dr. Biao Fu
Affiliation: Zhengzhou University, China
Interests: critical metal recovery from low-grade ores; heavy metal pollution control

Name: Dr. Ke Chen
Affiliation: Nanjing University, China
Interests: metamaterials; metasurfaces; electromagnetics; microwave

Guest Editor of Materials’ Special Issue:
“Metamaterials and Metasurfaces: From Materials to Applications”
Submission deadline: 20 Apr 2026

Name: Dr. Peng Yu
Affiliation: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China
Interests: micro- and nanophotonic devices; plasmonics; detection; light energy conversion

Name: Dr. Wenjie Zhao
Affiliation: Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Interests: metal and alloys; corrosion; electrochemistry; oxidation; structural evolution; protective film; composite coatings; corrosion inhibitors; corrosion modeling; corrosion-life prediction

Publication in Materials:
“Review of Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) Nanosheets in Corrosion Mitigation: Recent Developments, Challenges, and Prospects”
by Jintao Cao, Yangmin Wu and Wenjie Zhao
Materials 2025, 18(6), 1190; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18061190

Name: Dr. Zhangpeng Li
Affiliation: Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Interests: 2D nanomaterials
Guest Editor of Materials’ Special Issue:
“Functional Gels: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications”
Submission deadline: 20 March 2026

The office is currently still recruiting Editorial Board Members and Guest Editors. Please contact the Editorial Office if you are interested in these positions.

Materials Editorial Office

Dr. Riddhiman Medhi is one of the authors of the Issue Cover paper entitled “Stabilizing the Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) of Citrate-Synthesized Metal Nanoparticles in Organic Solvents”, published in Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944).

Author’s introduction:
Dr. Medhi obtained his PhD in chemistry from the University of Houston, where he was a recipient of the Dan E. Wells Outstanding Dissertation Award (Summer 2020) and the Jay K. Kochi fellowship-funded Graduate Student Research Award (2020) for excellence in research. Dr. Medhi’s research focused on novel optoelectronic nanoparticles with composite architectures for applications in renewable energy, biomedical therapy, and environmental remediation. Following his postdoctoral work at Cornell University on bioinspired polymer coatings, Dr. Medhi established an independent research laboratory as an Assistant Professor at the University of Scranton. Currently, Dr. Medhi’s work focuses on the synthesis and application of novel nanomaterials for a sustainable future, spanning inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, surface science, and fabrication, with an application focus on optical sensing and photocatalysis.

Based on the positive evaluations by the reviewers and academic editors for Dr. Riddhiman Medhi’s group article, we have selected their article as the Issue Cover for display on the Materials’ website.

“Stabilizing the Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) of Citrate-Synthesized Metal Nanoparticles in Organic Solvents”
by Jacob P. Magdon, Matthew J. Jasienski, Madison R. Waltz, Gabrielle A. Grzymski, Calvin Chen, Arion M. Solomon, Minh Dang Nguyen, Jong Moon Lee, John C. Deàk, T. Randall Lee and Riddhiman Medhi
Materials 2025, 18(22), 5246; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18225246

The following is an interview with Dr. Riddhiman Medhi:

1. Congratulations on your published paper. Could you please briefly introduce the main research content of the published paper?
Thank you! In this published work, our research group has unveiled a deep-dive analysis that could significantly expand the applications of metal nanoparticles beyond water-based systems. It is well known that these metal nanoparticles exhibit a phenomenon known as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), where their electron clouds oscillate in resonance with visible to near-infrared light frequencies. This unique property has already revolutionized fields such as medical diagnostics, sensing, photothermal therapy, drug delivery, energy harvesting, and photocatalysis.
Until now, most fabrication methods have relied on aqueous environments, with the citrate method being the method of choice for the majority of researchers and industry. Here, the particles are stabilized in the form of nanosized colloids using electrostatic forces coming from the citrate ions on the surface. However, when transferred to organic solvents, the particles quickly clump together, losing their LSPR capabilities—a major barrier for broader use.
This new study demonstrates innovative techniques for functionalizing and transferring these nanoparticles into organic solvents without compromising their optical properties. By testing a range of nanoparticles, ligands, and solvents, our team identified polymer-based systems that can encapsulate the particles and provide alternative stabilization through dipole–dipole and hydrogen-bonding interactions. Unlike electrostatic interactions, these dipole–dipole and hydrogen-bonding interactions are transferable to other solvents, thereby sustaining their role in colloidal stability.
This advancement opens the door to new possibilities for nanoparticle modification and utilization in organic media, paving the way for next-generation applications in energy, medicine, and advanced materials.

2. What are the key takeaways you hope readers will gain from your paper?
The readers of this article will gather two main insights: Firstly, the readers will be able to quickly identify that hydroxypropyl cellulose, a cellulose derivative, is a great ligand for citrate substitution and phase transfer of pretty much all kinds of citrate-stabilized metal nanoparticles. With this key phase transfer step already figured out, researchers will now be able to focus on using these plasmonic nanoparticles in non-aqueous chemistry and applications of interest to them.
Secondly, readers will see that solvent–solvent interactions and solvent viscosity also play a key role in nanoparticle stability and may therefore consider their solvent choices more carefully, as well as possibly investigate these interactions further. Overall, this work will be of great benefit to synthetic, applied, and physical chemists alike.

3. Was there a specific experience or event in your research career that led you to focus on your current field of research?
When I was attempting to synthesize core–shell and core–dual-shell nanoparticles featuring TiO₂ as the shell, I wanted to use a titanium butoxide precursor to generate my TiO₂, as it is the most standard and established method. However, we faced a major roadblock with this approach, since the TBOT transformation to TiO₂ happens via hydrolysis with water, and if we are running the reaction in an aqueous medium, it leads to uncontrolled TiO₂ growth. This is a problem if we are trying to grow a uniform and well-defined shell around a nanoparticle. However, at that time, there were no straightforward methods for phase transfer and stabilization of standard citrate-stabilized nanoparticles in nonaqueous systems. I realized this must be a significant problem for other synthetic chemists like myself as well, and that a well-defined investigation into this question was warranted. 

4. What appealed to you about the Materials journal that made you want to submit your paper? In your opinion, what can authors expect when they submit to Materials?
Materials was my choice for publication because of multiple factors. Firstly, they are a well-established, peer-reviewed topical journal in materials science that precisely matches the scope of our work and has a broad reach. Secondly, they have a rapid turnaround on their decisions, which means I don’t have to be in limbo for months; instead, we can get the research out quickly for others to read and apply. Thirdly, I have previously published in Materials, and the authoring experience has always been smooth, while also providing ease of access and quality for readers.

5. How do you think open access way of publishing impacts authors?
Open access is a great way to share your research with the broader research community. Especially if you believe your research addresses an important, widely applicable question, open access is the most appropriate approach. This way, we can ensure that the solutions we provide are immediately available to all researchers in the field, thereby maximizing their impact.

Conference: 41st International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-41)
Date: 31 May–4 June 2026
Place: Salerno, Italy

We are excited to announce that MDPI journals will participate as exhibitors in the 41st International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-41), in Paestum, Salerno, Italy, from 31 May to 4 June 2026.

As we gather for the 41st edition of this top-level international conference, PPS-41 will continue to explore the future of polymer processing, addressing cutting-edge advancements, sustainability, and the evolving role of polymers in a rapidly changing world.

PPS conferences provide a distinguished platform for academics, researchers, and industry professionals to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and showcase pioneering technologies and innovative solutions.

The submitted contributions will be organized in parallel sessions in the following subjects:

• Additive manufacturing of polymers;
• Aeronautical and aerospace applications;
• Biomedical applications;
• Composites, blends and alloys;
• Extrusion, mixing and compounding;
• Fibers and films;
• Foams and membranes;
• Injection molding, micromolding and molds;
• Machine learning in polymer processing;
• Modeling and simulation;
• Morphology and structural development;
• Nanotechnology and nanocomposites;
• Rheology and characterization;
• Rubber, elastomers and thermosets;
• Smart polymers and special applications;
• Solid state processing and properties;
• Soft robotics;
• Surfaces and interfaces;
• Sustainability (recycling, LCA, environmental impact, biodegradable polymers);
• Special session: advances in polymer processing and digital manufacturing for prosthetic devices.

The following MDPI journals will be presenting at the conference:

• Polymers;
• Macromol;
• Materials;
• Colloids and Interfaces;
• J. Compos. Sci.;
• Chemistry;
• Physchem;
• Fibers;
• Nanomaterials;
• AI Chemistry;
• Surfaces;
• Aerospace;
• Coatings.

If you are planning to attend the conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.pps-41.org/.