Macromolecules, Particles, and Colloids in Ionic Liquids: Structure, Stability, and Function

Dear Colleagues,

Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as powerful solvents and co-solvents in soft matter science due to their tunable physicochemical properties, thermal stability, and negligible vapor pressure. Their unique solvation and interfacial characteristics enable the stabilization of proteins, polymers, DNA/RNA, nanoparticles, and colloids, offering new avenues for drug delivery, catalysis, biomolecular preservation, and nanostructure fabrication.

As interest grows in green and functional solvents, the intersection of ILs with macromolecular and colloid science has become a dynamic field. However, key challenges remain in deciphering how the IL molecular structure governs soft matter behavior and exploiting these interactions for practical applications.

This Special Issue of Molecules invites original research and reviews on ILs in soft matter systems—including macromolecules, colloids, and nanoscale assemblies. We welcome experimental, theoretical, and simulation studies that explore the following:

• Solvation and stabilization of macromolecules;
• Biocompatible ILs in biopreservation and drug delivery;
• Self-assembly in ILs or deep eutectic solvents;
• IL-templated nanoparticle and hybrid material synthesis;
• Interfacial interactions and phase behavior;
• Molecular simulations of IL–macromolecule systems;
• Green solvent strategies in polymer and colloid processing.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Qi Han
Prof. Dr. Zhengfei Chen
Prof. Dr. Tamar Greaves
Guest Editors

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