Announcements

This Season's Greetings video is from Prof. Dr. Barbara Bonelli, Prof. Dr. Sotirios Baskoutas, Dr. Silvia Villar-Rodil, Prof. Dr. Eleonore Fröhlich and Prof. Dr. Dennis K.P Ng, the Section Editors-in-Chief of Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991), who would like to extend their best wishes to everyone on behalf of the journal editorial team.

We look forward to another year of collaboration and innovation in the field, and we thank you for your continued support and engagement with Nanomaterials. Here's to a prosperous 2025!

The articles below were selected as Issue Cover Articles by the Editorial Office of Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991) in the second half of 2024. These articles cover research from multiple fields within the scope of Nanomaterials, and we hope that they will provide insights and references for scholars in related fields.

	1. “Nanofibrous Conductive Sensor for Limonene: One-Step Synthesis via Electrospinning and Molecular Imprinting” by Antonella Macagnano, Fabricio Nicolas Molinari, Paolo Papa, Tiziana Mancini, Stefano Lupi, Annalisa D’Arco, Anna Rita Taddei, Simone Serrecchia and Fabrizio De Cesare Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131123 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/13/1123
	2. “Thermal Energy Storage in Concrete by Encapsulation of a Nano-Additivated Phase Change Material in Lightweight Aggregates” by Iván Carrillo-Berdugo, Juan Jesús Gallardo, Nazaret Ruiz-Marín, Violeta Guillén-Domínguez, Rodrigo Alcántara, Javier Navas and Juan Antonio Poce-Fatou Nanomaterials 2024, 14(14), 1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14141180 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/14/1180
	3. “Ultrathin Boron Growth onto Nanodiamond Surfaces via Electrophilic Boron Precursors” by Krishna Govindaraju, Tyanna Supreme, Daniel N. Labunsky, Nicole Martin, Juan Miguel Del Rosario, Alana Washington, Ezhioghode O. Uwadiale, Solomon Adjei II, Sandra Ladjadj, Cynthia V. Melendrez et al. Nanomaterials 2024, 14(15), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14151274 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/15/1274
	4. “Gamma-Irradiation-Induced Electrical Characteristic Variations in MoS2 Field-Effect Transistors with Buried Local Back-Gate Structure” by Su Jin Kim, Seungkwon Hwang, Jung-Dae Kwon, Jongwon Yoon, Jeong Min Park, Yongsu Lee, Yonghun Kim and Chang Goo Kang Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161324 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/16/1324
	5. “Tailoring of Circularly Polarized Beams Employing Bound States in the Continuum in a Designed Photonic Crystal Metasurface Nanostructure” by Chunhao Xu, Minghao Chao, Zhizhong Liu, Qingsong Liu, Wenjing Zhang, Lingyun Zhuang, Bo Cheng, Botao Jiang, Jietao Liu and Guofeng Song Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1405; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171405 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/17/1405
	6. “AFM for Nanomechanical Assessment of Polymer Overcoatings on Nanoparticle-Decorated Biomaterials” by Jonathan Wood, Dennis Palms, Ruvini Dabare, Krasimir Vasilev and Richard Bright Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181475 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/18/1475
	7. “Förster Resonance Energy Transfer and Enhanced Emission in Cs4PbBr6 Nanocrystals Encapsulated in Silicon Nano-Sheets for Perovskite Light Emitting Diode Applications” by Araceli Herrera Mondragon, Roberto Gonzalez Rodriguez, Noah Hurley, Sinto Varghese, Yan Jiang, Brian Squires, Maoding Cheng, Brooke Davis, Qinglong Jiang, Mansour Mortazavi et al. Nanomaterials 2024, 14(19), 1596; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14191596 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/19/1596
	8. “Honeycomb Cell Structures Formed in Drop-Casting CNT Films for Highly Efficient Solar Absorber Applications” by Saiful Islam and Hiroshi Furuta Nanomaterials 2024, 14(20), 1633; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14201633 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/20/1633
	9. “Twisted Nanographenes with Robust Conformational Stability” by Penghui Song, Yoshifumi Hashikawa and Chaolumen Nanomaterials 2024, 14(21), 1737; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14211737 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/21/1737
	10. “Gold Nanoprobes for Robust Colorimetric Detection of Nucleic Acid Sequences Related to Disease Diagnostics” by Maria Enea, Andreia Leite, Ricardo Franco and Eulália Pereira Nanomaterials 2024, 14(22), 1833; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14221833 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/22/1833
	11. “Excitonic-Vibrational Interaction at 2D Material/Organic Molecule Interfaces Studied by Time-Resolved Sum Frequency Generation” by Huiling Chen, Yu Lian, Tao Zhou, Hui Li, Jiashi Li, Xinyi Liu, Yuan Huang and Wei-Tao Liu Nanomaterials 2024, 14(23), 1892; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14231892 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/23/1892
	12. “Pleozymes: Pleiotropic Oxidized Carbon Nanozymes Enhance Cellular Metabolic Flexibility” by Anh T. T. Vo, Karthik Mouli, Anton V. Liopo, Philip Lorenzi, Lin Tan, Bo Wei, Sara A. Martinez, Emily A. McHugh, James M. Tour, Uffaf Khan et al. Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2017; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242017 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/24/2017

The articles below were selected as Issue Cover Articles by the Editorial Office of Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991) in the first half of 2024. These articles came from multiple fields within the scope of Nanomaterials, and we hope they can provide insights and references for scholars in related fields.

1. “Observation of Multi-Phonon Emission in Monolayer WS₂ on Various Substrates”
by Eli R. Adler, Thy Doan Mai Le, Ibrahim Boulares, Robert Boyd, Yangchen He, Daniel Rhodes, Edward Van Keuren, Paola Barbara and Sina Najmaei
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14010037
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/1/37

2. “Electrochemical Performance of Metal-Free Carbon-Based Catalysts from Different Hydrothermal Carbonization Treatments for Oxygen Reduction Reaction”
by Aldo Girimonte, Andrea Stefani, Clara Mucci, Roberto Giovanardi, Andrea Marchetti, Massimo Innocenti and Claudio Fontanesi
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(2), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14020173
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/2/173

3. “Intracranial Gene Delivery Mediated by Albumin-Based Nanobubbles and Low-Frequency Ultrasound”
by Takayuki Koga, Hiroshi Kida, Yutaro Yamasaki, Loreto B. Feril, Jr., Hitomi Endo, Keiji Itaka, Hiroshi Abe and Katsuro Tachibana
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(3), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14030285
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/3/285 

4. “The Effect of Substrate Properties on Cellular Behavior and Nanoparticle Uptake in Human Fibroblasts and Epithelial Cells”
by Mauro Sousa de Almeida, Aaron Lee, Fabian Itel, Katharina Maniura-Weber, Alke Petri-Fink and Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(4), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14040342
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/4/342

5. “Two Structural Designs of Broadband, Low-Loss, and Compact TM Magneto-Optical Isolator Based on GaAs-on-Insulator”
by Li Liu, Wan-Ting Chen, Jia Zhao and Chen Zhang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14050400
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/5/400

6. “Preparation of Low-Temperature Solution-Processed High-κ Gate Dielectrics Using Organic–Inorganic TiO₂ Hybrid Nanoparticles”
by Hong Nhung Le, Rixuan Wang, Benliang Hou, Sehyun Kim and Juyoung Kim
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(6), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14060488
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/6/488

7. “Nanostructured Solid/Liquid Acid Catalysts for Glycerol Esterification: The Key to Convert Liability into Assets”
by John Keogh, Patcharaporn Inrirai, Nancy Artioli and Haresh Manyar
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(7), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14070615
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/7/615

8. “Physiochemical Characterization of Lipidic Nanoformulations Encapsulating the Antifungal Drug Natamycin”
by Luigi Talarico, Ilaria Clemente, Alessandro Gennari, Giulia Gabbricci, Simone Pepi, Gemma Leone, Claudia Bonechi, Claudio Rossi, Simone Luca Mattioli, Nicola Detta et al.
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(8), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14080726
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/8/726

9. “Redox-Modified Nanostructured Electrochemical Surfaces for Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Complex Biological Fluids”
by Sajjad Janfaza, Nandhinee Radha Shanmugam, Pawan Jolly, Prashanthi Kovur, Upasana Singh, Scott Mackay, David Wishart and Donald E. Ingber
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(9), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14090796
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/9/796 

10. “Production of PEGylated Vancomycin-Loaded Niosomes by a Continuous Supercritical CO₂ Assisted Process”
by Lucia Baldino, Domenico Riccardi and Ernesto Reverchon
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100846
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/10/846

11. “Low-Polarization, Broad-Spectrum Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers”
by Meng Zhang, Tianyi Zhang, Hui Tang, Lei Liang, Yongyi Chen, Li Qin, Yue Song, Yuxin Lei, Peng Jia, Yubing Wang et al.
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(11), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14110969
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/11/969 

12. “Optical Absorption in Tilted Geometries as an Indirect Measurement of Longitudinal Plasma Waves in Layered Cuprates”
by Niccolò Sellati, Jacopo Fiore, Claudio Castellani and Lara Benfatto
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(12), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14121021
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/12/1021  

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Tierui Zhang has been appointed Associate Editor of Section “Energy and Catalysis” in Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991).

Name: Prof. Dr. Tierui Zhang
Affiliation: Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic, Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: chemistry; photocatalysts; cyanogen; graphitic carbon nitride; carbon dioxide; electrocatalysts; chemical reduction
Website: https://people.ucas.edu.cn/~0010912?language=en

Prof. Dr. Tierui Zhang is a distinguished researcher and doctoral supervisor at the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and the director of the Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is a fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society, a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and has been continuously selected as a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Analytics from 2018 to 2024. Dr. Zhang received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Jilin University. He subsequently conducted postdoctoral research in Germany, Canada, and the United States. At the end of 2009, he returned to China and was appointed at the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

He has published over 360 SCI papers in journals such as Nat. Catal., Nat. Commun., Adv. Mater., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., and J. Am. Chem. Soc., with more than 40,000 citations and an h-index of 116, and has been granted 59 national invention patents. He is the key project leader of the National Natural Science Foundation of China’s “National Outstanding Youth Science Fund”, Science Fund for Creative Research Groups, Key Project, and International Cooperation and Exchanges, as well as the chief scientist of key special projects under the National Key Research and Development Program of China. Additionally, he is the lead of The Royal Society Newton Advanced Fellowship. He has received several awards, including the Special Prize of the Science and Technology Award from the Chinese Society for Imaging Science and Technology (first contributor, 2021) and the Nano Materials Science Awards (2023). He serves as the associate editor of Science Bulletin, Industrial Chemistry & Materials, and Nano Research Energy, and is on the editorial boards of Advanced Energy Materials and Advanced Science. Currently, he holds academic positions as the secretary-general of the Energy Chemistry Committee of the Chinese Chemical Society, chairman of the Photocatalysis Committee of the Chinese Society for Imaging Science and Technology, and vice-chairman of the Photochemistry Committee of the China Renewable Energy Society.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Tierui Zhang, who shared his views of the research area, as well as his vision for the journal with us:

1. From your research experience and publication history, it appears that you have been dedicated to the field of catalysis for nearly two decades. Could you share your journey with us? What do you think are the current research hotspots in photocatalysis and energy catalysis?
Since returning to China in 2009 and joining the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), I began my research in photocatalysis. The predecessor of the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, was the Institute of Sensitized Chemistry, which is renowned as one of the six major international centers for photochemistry. By combining my expertise in nanomaterial synthesis with the institute’s strengths in photochemistry, I gradually established a distinctive research direction focused on the photochemical conversion of resource small molecules driven by solar energy.
In the coming decade, catalytic reactions driven by renewable energy sources such as photocatalysis will continue to be a key focus in the fields of energy and environmental catalysis. Among these, the characterization and precise control of the surface and interface structures of catalytic materials at the atomic scale, as well as the design and scale-up integration of high-throughput photoreactors, are expected to receive more attention and may become emerging hotspots in catalysis research.

2. What are your expectations and wishes for the “Energy and Catalysis” Section of the Nanomaterials journal?
Nanomaterials, as a professional journal in the field of materials science that has been published for more than ten years, has featured a large number of high-quality original research findings. I hope that the “Energy and Catalysis” Section can fully leverage the radiating and leading role of energy and catalysis within the broader fields of chemistry and materials science. This Section should attract outstanding research teams from around the world, gathering the latest significant achievements in this area.
I will work together with the editorial team to make this Section a breakthrough point for enhancing the journal’s impact, aiming to transform Nanomaterials into a more recognized and prestigious journal in the field of energy and catalysis. Our goal is to elevate Nanomaterials to a leading position in the materials science community, particularly in the areas of energy and catalysis.

We warmly welcome Prof. Dr. Tierui Zhang and wish him every success in the position.

The following is a short interview with Dr. Luis Cunha:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself to the readers? What are you currently researching, and why did you choose this research field?
I am a physicist, and my field of expertise is material science, focusing on experimental work. My students handle most of the hands-on lab work, but I continue to guide the research and oversee the projects. My primary focus is on producing thin films to coat materials for various applications. We primarily use magnetron sputtering as a way to produce films. The physical properties of these films are characterized and then, their effectiveness is tested for real-world applications.
Currently, I am leading a project funded by the Portugues Foundation for Science and Technology in which one of the consortium members is a branch of the largest Portuguese cork company (Amorim group). Our research aims to coat cork to enhance its durability and protect it from ultraviolet radiation, mechanical wear, and other environmental factors. Nowadays, cork is widely used for various products, from wine stoppers to bags, shoes, and dresses, and is even used in aerospace. However, as a soft material, it has some limitations, such as wear and discoloration when exposed to UV light. The goal of this ongoing project is to produce a transparent thin film that can protect the cork from aging without altering its natural appearance. Note: Portugal is the world’s largest producer and exporter of cork, making this project highly significant.

2. Which qualities do you think young researchers need?
Passion is essential. If you love what you are doing, it is much easier to stay motivated and overcome challenges. Curiosity is another crucial trait. You must be proactive in your work, not just wait for someone to ask you to explore something. If you are passionate, curious, and proactive, you are on the right path to becoming a good scientist. Research is tough, and the competition is fierce, but if you have the drive, you will succeed. Young researchers should also aim to be in a good research center if possible, but you need to keep fighting for that place. It is all about being serious in your work and persevering.

3. What do you think young researchers can learn from participating in conferences?
Conferences are very important for young researchers. They provide an opportunity to present their work, connect with others in related fields, and receive valuable feedback. It is a chance to exchange ideas and even discuss potential collaborations. My Ph.D. students have presented their work at several conferences, and we have received a lot of insightful feedback from other researchers. This helped them to improve their communication skills and broaden their networks. There is always someone at a conference who will offer you a suggestion or new perspectives on your research. I personally do not like online conferences; they lack the personal connection that in-person events offer. Face-to-face interaction is critical for building strong relationships and advancing scientific collaboration.

4. What qualities or characteristics define an effective and reliable peer reviewer in your opinion?
Firstly, they must have a deep understanding of the subject matter, ensuring that they can critically evaluate the research’s methodology, results, and significance. Attention to detail is crucial, as it allows the reviewer to identify any errors, inconsistencies, or areas needing clarification. Objectivity and impartiality are also essential traits, as a good reviewer must provide unbiased feedback, free from personal or professional biases. They should also be constructive in their criticism, offering suggestions for improvement rather than just pointing out flaws. This helps authors enhance the quality of their work. Timeliness is another important characteristic. A reliable reviewer respects deadlines and understands the importance of timely publication in the academic community. A good reviewer articulates their feedback clearly and concisely, ensuring that authors understand their comments and can act upon them.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Luis Cunha and all the other reviewers who have generously volunteered their time and expertise to assist in Nanomaterials’ peer review process. Their dedication and attention to detail in evaluating manuscripts, offering valuable feedback, and contributing to academic rigor are truly commendable.

More than 100 German universities and research institutions have entered into a national agreement with MDPI. The publication agreement negotiated by ZB MED comes into effect on 1 January 2025 and is valid until the end of 2026. Joining the consortium is still possible until the beginning of 2025. We are delighted by the high level of interest this agreement has already garnered, reflecting the strong demand for accessible and cost-effective open access publishing solutions among German research institutions.

This new cooperation aims to make scientific gold open access publishing more affordable and less administratively burdensome for researchers in Germany. The agreement includes substantial discounts on article processing charges (APCs) for corresponding authors from participating institutions. It offers flexible payment options, including centralized invoicing or individual payment of fees by researchers or their institutions. Additionally, the agreement features a flat-fee model that enables institutions to precisely plan expenses and optimize their library budgets.

"MDPI can look back on over a decade of successful partnerships with German research institutions," says Peter Roth, MDPI Head of Publishing. "The new agreement marks another milestone in the long-standing co-operation between MDPI and the German scientific community. It emphasizes our commitment to developing up-to-date and inventive solutions for the diverse needs of scientific institutions to promote open research for the benefit of researchers."

Petra Labriga, Head of Strategic License Management at ZB MED, highlighted the agreement's significance: "As one of the world's leading Gold OA publishers, MDPI plays a central role in the German publishing landscape. We are particularly pleased that we were able to achieve considerable potential cost savings for scientific institutions and their authors at a national level through our negotiations."

The partnership reflects a common goal of advancing the idea of open access and supporting researchers in making their scientific excellence internationally visible.

"We would like to thank the ZB MED consortium team for their excellent collaboration," added Adrian Stefan Zamfir, MDPI Institutional Partnership Manager for the DACH region. "We are delighted that this agreement will give even more researchers in Germany access to our tried-and-tested and reliable publication platform."

Franziska Fischer (right), Commercial Director at ZB MED, an Peter Roth (left), Head of Publishing at MDPI, celebrate the signing of the new national open access agreement between MDPI and the ZB MED Consortium.

More Information

• Conditions and participation opportunities (German): Link
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Contact

• ZB MED: Team Konsortiallizenzen (konsortiallizenzen@zbmed.de) - Website
  MDPI: Adrian Stefan Zamfir, Institutional Partnership Manager (zamfir@mdpi.com)
  
  

About ZB MED

ZB MED - Information Centre for Life Sciences is an infrastructure and research centre for life science information and data. Its aim is to support and strengthen research for people and the environment: from medicine to biodiversity and environmental protection.

The work of ZB MED is orientated towards the strategic guidelines:

• Research + Networking: We conduct research together with the regionally, nationally, European and globally networked research community.
• Data science: We enable data analyses and generate new knowledge through research.
• Access to information: We provide sustainable access to information, literature and data as a central information infrastructure.
• Open + FAIR: We promote open and reproducible science in line with open science and FAIR principles.
• Knowledge and skills transfer: We actively impart knowledge, competences and skills.

More information at www.zbmed.de.

About MDPI

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, MDPI is one of the world's leading open access publishers with a current portfolio of more than 440 journals in all scientific disciplines. MDPI‘s goal is to advance open science worldwide through greater transparency, efficiency and collaboration. To date, more than 3.7 million researchers have published their results in MDPI journals. The editorial process is overseen by a large network of dedicated reviewers and editors and supported by more than 6500 MDPI employees. MDPI currently works with over 800 academic institutions and 180 scientific societies worldwide, which benefit from a wide range of MDPI services and products.

We are pleased to announce a series of updates to our template, aimed at improving the readability and overall aesthetics of our publications. These changes have been meticulously designed to enhance the user experience and ensure consistency across all our publications. The updated template will be available for download from the Instructions for Authors page.

The following updates will be applied to articles published in the 2025 volumes, starting on 24 December 2024:

• Main text: The line spacing has been increased to improve the readability of publications;
• Header and footer: The link to the journal website will be removed, as a hyperlink has been integrated into the journal logo. Additionally, the DOI link will be moved from the left-hand side to the right-hand side, and both the header and footer will be slightly raised to achieve a better balance;
• Left information bar: The information provided here has been rearranged for better organization; the CC-BY logo will be removed;
• Font size: The font size used for the abstract, keywords, and first-level headings will be increased.

Furthermore, MDPI journals will continue to use article numbers. This approach enables us to maintain a rapid and efficient production process by being able to define pagination as soon as a paper is accepted.

We hope that the new version of the template will provide users with a better experience and make the process more convenient.

Please contact production@mdpi.com if you have any questions or suggestions.

On 19 November 2024, Clarivate^TM announced the 2024 Highly Cited Researchers. It is our pleasure to announce that forty Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991) Editorial Board Members have been listed as 2024 highly cited researchers by Clarivate. We wish to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the immense impact these researchers have had on scientific progress in the field, as well as on the development of our journal.

To encourage further cooperation with excellent scholars from all around the world, we welcome you to contribute your excellent work to our journal. If you have any proposals for Special Issues, please contact us. Your support would be highly appreciated.

Additionally, we would like to share with you the Editor’s Choice Articles of Nanomaterials. You are welcome to share and recommend these papers within your community.

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Meissam Noroozifar has been appointed Associate Editor of the Section “Energy and Catalysis” in Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991). With an extensive background in scientific research and publishing, he will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role.

Prof. Dr. Meissam Noroozifar is a distinguished researcher with over 20 years of experience in chemistry, applied chemistry, and engineering. He has authored more than 250 peer-reviewed articles in top journals, including Advanced Energy Materials, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, ACS Applied Energy Materials, and the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. His research covers a broad spectrum of topics, such as nanocatalysts, metallic and bimetallic aerogels, energy systems, and electrochemical sensors, with applications in alternative power sources, batteries, and fuel cells, including direct alcoholic (hydrogen) fuel cells and biofuel cells. He is internationally recognized for his expertise in electrochemical techniques, advanced instrumentation, and spectroscopy, and his contributions to advancements in energy storage, fuel cells, and environmental chemistry and health. His work bridges fundamental science with practical applications, leading to the development of innovative technologies that address critical challenges in sustainability and health. Actively fostering international collaborations, he drives research that leads to groundbreaking advancements and the creation of methodologies with far-reaching applications. These contributions have earned him recognition among the World Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier, as well as the World Top 3% of Scientists based on the AD Scientific Index, particularly in chemistry, energy, and environmental chemistry.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Meissam Noroozifar, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views on the research area:

1. What motivated you to assume the role of Section Associate Editor for this journal?
I was motivated to assume the role of Section Associate Editor for the journal of Nanomaterials because of my strong commitment to advancing research in nanomaterials and their diverse applications in areas such as energy and catalysis. Over the years, I have witnessed the transformative potential of nanomaterials, and I believe that this journal provides an excellent platform for sharing groundbreaking research in these fields. As someone with extensive experience in nanotechnology, particularly in the development of novel nanocatalysts and energy storage materials, I am eager to contribute to shaping the future of nanomaterial research by ensuring that high-quality, innovative, and impactful research is published. The opportunity to work alongside leading experts in the field allows me to stay at the forefront of advancements while also fostering the development of emerging researchers and cutting-edge technologies. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to help facilitate the dissemination of research that addresses global challenges, such as sustainability and health, which aligns with my own academic and professional interests.

2. How do you envision the evolution of this research field in the coming years?
I envision the field of nanomaterials evolving in several exciting directions over the next few years, driven by advances in both material science and interdisciplinary research. First, I expect to see significant progress in the development of more sustainable and efficient nanomaterials, particularly for energy and environmental applications. As the global push for clean energy intensifies, nanomaterials will continue to play a crucial role in the development of next-generation batteries, fuel cells, and solar technologies, with a focus on improving performance, reducing costs, and increasing recyclability. I foresee an increasing convergence of nanomaterials with artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies will enable more precise design and optimization of nanomaterials, accelerating their development and application in real-world scenarios. This integration will likely lead to smarter, self-assembling, and multifunctional materials that can adapt to environmental changes or user needs. Overall, the next few years will witness a deeper integration of nanomaterials into industries ranging from energy to environmental applications, with a growing emphasis on sustainability, performance, and integration with digital technologies. As the demand for more efficient and eco-friendly solutions continues to rise, nanomaterials will play a key role in advancing energy storage systems, renewable energy technologies, and pollution control measures, paving the way for more sustainable and innovative industrial processes.

3. What are your thoughts on the progress of the open access model within the publishing realm?
The progress of open access within the publishing realm has been remarkable, and I firmly believe it is reshaping the way scientific knowledge is shared and disseminated. Open access provides an invaluable platform for researchers, especially those in underfunded institutions or developing regions, to share their findings with a global audience. By removing paywalls, it democratizes access to cutting-edge research, enabling a broader range of scientists, policymakers, and the public to engage with the latest advancements. One of the most exciting developments in open access is the growing number of high-quality journals embracing this model. As more publishers adopt open access, there is an increased emphasis on maintaining rigorous peer review processes and ensuring that the quality of published content remains high. This has allowed the open access model to become a viable alternative to traditional subscription-based publishing, without compromising scientific integrity. However, while progress is evident, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring sustainable funding models for open access, particularly for high-cost research articles. Additionally, there is a need to address the potential for predatory journals that undermine the credibility of open access publishing. Moving forward, I believe continued collaboration between institutions, publishers, and funding agencies will be essential to ensure that open access continues to grow in both scope and impact, ultimately improving the accessibility and transparency of research.

4. What advice or principles would you offer to young scholars aiming to pursue similar research paths with a focus on excellence?
My advice to young scholars aiming to pursue similar research paths with a focus on excellence is rooted in three key principles: curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance. First, maintain a deep curiosity and a passion for discovery. The best researchers are those who are genuinely curious about how things work and are driven to explore new ideas. Don’t be afraid to ask fundamental questions, challenge existing paradigms, and explore interdisciplinary approaches. Innovation often comes from asking questions others might overlook. Second, foster strong collaborations and engage with a diverse community of researchers. Research is rarely a solitary endeavor; great advancements are often made when diverse perspectives are brought together. Build networks, collaborate across disciplines, and embrace opportunities for cross-institutional and international partnerships. Not only will this enrich your research, but it will also open doors to new methodologies, technologies, and approaches that you may not encounter in your own area of expertise. Finally, be prepared for challenges and remain persistent. Research is a long-term commitment, and you will face obstacles, whether it’s in terms of experimental difficulties, funding challenges, or unexpected results. Stay resilient and maintain a problem-solving mindset. Focus on your long-term goals, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Excellence comes with sustained effort and the ability to learn from both successes and failures. In addition, aim to communicate your work effectively to both the scientific community and the public. Great research deserves to be shared, and effective communication—whether through publications, conferences, or outreach—ensures that your work has the impact it deserves.

5. What was it like to serve as an Associate Editor for the “Energy and Catalysis” Section? What are your expectations and goals in this role?
Serving as an Associate Editor for the “Energy and Catalysis” Section was an incredibly rewarding experience. It allowed me to engage deeply with cutting-edge research in energy and catalysis, areas that are pivotal to addressing global challenges such as sustainability and climate change. Being involved in reviewing high-quality manuscripts and collaborating with top-tier researchers provided a unique perspective on the current state of the field and emerging trends. I found it both challenging and fulfilling to ensure that only the most impactful and rigorous research was published, while also mentoring authors through the review process to enhance the quality of their work. In this role, I had the opportunity to shape the direction of the Section by identifying key areas of research and facilitating discussions around topics that are crucial for the advancement of energy technologies. I also valued the opportunity to help build a robust network of researchers, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and fostering the exchange of ideas. Moving forward, my expectations and goals for this role are to continue promoting high-quality research, expand the journal’s influence in the energy and catalysis community, and help bridge the gap between fundamental science and practical applications. I also hope to encourage more innovation in energy systems and catalysis, especially with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and the development of novel materials. Additionally, I aim to ensure that the journal remains at the forefront of addressing critical issues like renewable energy, carbon capture, and energy storage, while fostering a welcoming space for emerging researchers in the field.