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Exclusive Papers of Editorial Board Members and Invited Scholars in “Materials Chemistry”, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 1952

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Guest Editor
Institute for Materials Research and Innovation, The University of Bolton, Deane Road, Bolton BL3 5AB, UK
Interests: flammability and fire retardancy of polymers; textiles and fibre-reinforced thermoplastic/thermoset composites; thermal degradation of polymers; high performance textiles; biocomposites; development of proactive flame retardant formulations/materials; nanocomposites; heat and mass transfer in polymers and composites; numerical modelling of combustion induced mechanical properties degradation of polymers
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Molecules is dedicated to showcasing recent advancements in the field of materials chemistry research. This Special Issue welcomes contributions not only from the Editorial Board Members (EBMs) but also from all researchers interested in the field of “Materials Chemistry”. Both original research articles and comprehensive review papers on theoretical and experimental studies covering the application of chemistry-based techniques and the study of materials, including materials synthesis, characterization, and properties, are welcome. The objective of this Special Issue is to highlight noteworthy investigations conducted within our section, and we aim to establish an attractive open access publishing platform for cutting-edge materials chemistry research.

Prof. Dr. Baljinder Kandola
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • nanomaterials
  • hybrid materials
  • core-shell materials
  • thin films
  • self-assembling systems
  • hydrogels
  • sensors and biosensors

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 12134 KB  
Article
Dispersed and Co-Continuous Morphologies of Epoxy Asphalt Bond Coats and Their Effects on Mechanical Performance
by Suzhou Cao, Haocheng Yang, Xinpeng Cui, Zhonghua Xi, Jun Cai, Junsheng Zhang and Hongfeng Xie
Molecules 2025, 30(17), 3513; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30173513 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 367
Abstract
The co-continuous microstructure represents an ideal configuration for polymer-modified asphalts. Consequently, determining the optimum polymer content hinges on establishing this critical network between polymer and bitumen. In this study, epoxy asphalt bond coats (EABCs) exhibiting three distinct morphologies (epoxy-dispersed, co-continuous, and bitumen-dispersed) were [...] Read more.
The co-continuous microstructure represents an ideal configuration for polymer-modified asphalts. Consequently, determining the optimum polymer content hinges on establishing this critical network between polymer and bitumen. In this study, epoxy asphalt bond coats (EABCs) exhibiting three distinct morphologies (epoxy-dispersed, co-continuous, and bitumen-dispersed) were prepared. Phase structure evolution and the final cured morphology were analyzed using a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). Rotational viscosity–time characteristics, tensile properties, single-lap shear strength, and pull-off adhesion strength were characterized using various techniques. Results indicated that the viscosity of EABCs at the late stage of the curing reaction increased with increasing epoxy resin (ER) concentration, whereas the time required for EABCs to reach a viscosity of 5 Pa·s decreased. LSCM analysis revealed that EABCs exhibited three distinct morphologies dependent on ER concentration: (1) a bitumen-continuous morphology with dispersed epoxy domains (41–42 vol.% ER) formed via a nucleation and growth mechanism; (2) a co-continuous structure (43–45 vol.% ER); and (3) an epoxy-continuous structure with dispersed bitumen domains (46 vol.% ER). Furthermore, the EABC with 42 vol.% exhibited a transitional morphology between bitumen-continuous and co-continuous structures. A significant improvement in mechanical properties occurred during the transition from the bitumen-continuous (41 vol.% ER) to the co-continuous morphology (43 vol.% ER): tensile strength, elongation at break, and toughness increased by 524%, 1298%, and 2732%, respectively. Simultaneously, pull-off adhesion strength and single-lap shear strength rose by 61% and 99%, respectively. In contrast, mechanical properties increased only gradually during the co-continuous phase and the subsequent transition to an epoxy-continuous morphology (45–46 vol.% ER). Considering cost, rotational viscosity–time dependence, and mechanical performance, an ER concentration of 43 vol.% (within the co-continuous region) is optimal for EABC production. Full article
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24 pages, 2360 KB  
Article
Influence of Ligand Isomerism on the Photophysical Properties of AIPE-Active Rhenium(I) Complexes: Investigations with a 2-(1,2,3-Triazol-1-yl)pyridine (Tapy)-Based Complex and Its Triazolylidene Derivatives
by Abanoub Mosaad Abdallah, Mariusz Wolff, Nadine Leygue, Maëlle Deleuzière, Nathalie Saffon-Merceron, Charles-Louis Serpentini, Eric Benoist and Suzanne Fery-Forgues
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2776; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132776 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 597
Abstract
Due to their rare properties of solid-state luminescence enhancement (SLE), tricarbonylrhenium complexes are promising candidates for applications as photoluminescent materials. However, the effect of isomerism on optical properties is still not well known. The aim of this in-depth study is to explore the [...] Read more.
Due to their rare properties of solid-state luminescence enhancement (SLE), tricarbonylrhenium complexes are promising candidates for applications as photoluminescent materials. However, the effect of isomerism on optical properties is still not well known. The aim of this in-depth study is to explore the behavior of a 2-(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)pyridine (tapy) complex and compare it with that of the isomers studied previously. Two derivatives that incorporate a mesoionic carbene ligand and represent an emerging class of molecules were also synthesized and compared with the corresponding isomers. The crystallographic data revealed that compounds in the solid state have little or no π–π interactions. The spectroscopic study was supported by DFT calculations. All the compounds were weakly phosphorescent in solution but exhibited a marked SLE effect. The Re-Tapy complex is an excellent solid-state emitter (PLQY = 0.62), well suited for applications related to aggregation-induced phosphorescence emission (AIPE). Its sensitivity to mechanical stimuli was unprecedented among the isomers considered to date. On the other hand, triazolylidene complexes are less emissive than their pyta(1,2,3) counterparts. This study shows how the ligand isomerism influences the optical properties of tricarbonylrhenium(I) complexes. It indicates that selecting the right pattern is a key factor for the design of efficient photoluminescent materials. Full article
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17 pages, 5260 KB  
Article
Peri-Substituted Acyl Pyrrolyl Naphthalenes: Synthesis, Reactions and Photophysical Properties
by Junkai Zhao, Robert Pike and Christopher Abelt
Molecules 2025, 30(7), 1429; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30071429 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 647
Abstract
The preparation of two 1-acyl-8-pyrrolylnaphthalenes (5 and 6) and one pyrrolone (8) are reported along with the issues complicating the preparations of other compounds. The photophysical behavior of the fused, planar derivative 6 is explored in detail. The fluorescence [...] Read more.
The preparation of two 1-acyl-8-pyrrolylnaphthalenes (5 and 6) and one pyrrolone (8) are reported along with the issues complicating the preparations of other compounds. The photophysical behavior of the fused, planar derivative 6 is explored in detail. The fluorescence of 6 shows solvato-chromism due to intramolecular charge transfer in the excited state and enhanced emission in protic solvents. The emission intensity increases very linearly with the H-bond-donating strength of the solvent. Preferential solvation studies, multilinear regression analysis and computational modeling suggest that the fluorescence enhancement results from inhibition of the spin–orbit coupling-promoted intersystem crossing from the π→π* singlet state to an n→π* triplet state. Some of the inhibitions are due to the dielectric stabilization of the excited singlet state. A stronger effect is obtained from H-bonding, which not only further stabilizes the singlet state but also negatively impacts the vibronic coupling between the states. Full article
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