Computational Design and Property Prediction of Nanomaterials

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Theory and Simulation of Nanostructures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2026 | Viewed by 1084

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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
Interests: mechanical, electronic and transport properties of nanomaterials; nanotechnology; nanotribology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Theoretical/computational investigations have always been an important part of nanomaterials research. Machine learning and AI have taken the computational design and property prediction of new, novel nanomaterials to another level. In addition to current nanomaterials research areas such as 2D materials, energy materials, nanophotonics and quantum nanoscale devices, new emerging research areas including additive manufacturing utilizing nanoparticles, alongside multiscale and multimaterial manufacturing, which can significantly benefit from computational design and property prediction calculations.

This Special Issue aims to present some of the most recent advances in computational modelling and design of nanomaterials or systems at the nanoscale.

Topics of interest for publication including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Materials discovery using machine learning and AI
  • 2D materials, van der Waals materials
  • Carbon nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, graphene, etc)
  • Quantum nanoscale systems and devices
  • Nanophotonics and nano-optics
  • Nanomaterials for energy applications and sustainability
  • Nanoscale manufacturing and fabrication
  • Multiscale simulations of nanomaterials

Prof. Dr. Alper Buldum
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • computer simulations
  • modeling
  • nanomaterials
  • electronic transport
  • heat transport
  • molecular dynamics
  • ab initio calculations
  • 2D materials
  • van der Waals materials
  • carbon nanotubes
  • graphene
  • multiscale modeling

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3330 KB  
Article
Electromagnetic–Thermal Coupling Competition in Ag@TiO2 Core–Shell Nanorods Under Distance-Dependent Interaction
by Bojun Pu, Paerhatijiang Tuersun, Jingxian Wang, Guoming He, Fengyi Dou and Ye Zheng
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(14), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16140837 - 8 Jul 2026
Viewed by 409
Abstract
The photothermal response of plasmonic nanomaterials is strongly affected by the electromagnetic and thermal interactions between neighboring particles. In this work, the finite element method was employed to investigate the distance-dependent photothermal behavior of Ag@TiO2 core–shell nanorods under 808 nm laser irradiation. [...] Read more.
The photothermal response of plasmonic nanomaterials is strongly affected by the electromagnetic and thermal interactions between neighboring particles. In this work, the finite element method was employed to investigate the distance-dependent photothermal behavior of Ag@TiO2 core–shell nanorods under 808 nm laser irradiation. A single-nanorod model was first used to analyze the optical absorption and temperature distribution of an isolated nanorod, and an idealized two-nanorod model was then established to examine the coupled electromagnetic and thermal fields at different inter-particle spacings. The results show that reducing the inter-particle distance induces two competing effects: thermal-field superposition enhances local heat accumulation, whereas strong near-field plasmonic coupling at small separations modifies the electromagnetic field distribution, induces resonance shifts, and reduces the effective absorption cross-section, thereby weakening heat generation. Consequently, the temperature response exhibits a non-monotonic dependence on inter-particle distance, reflecting the competition between thermal-field overlap and plasmonic coupling. This work helps clarify the electromagnetic–thermal coupling mechanism of Ag@TiO2 core–shell nanorods under near-infrared irradiation and provides a theoretical reference for understanding their distance-dependent photothermal response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Design and Property Prediction of Nanomaterials)
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Review

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40 pages, 17663 KB  
Review
Computational Simulation of Irradiation-Induced Structural Defects in Metallic Materials: Formation, Evolution, and Mechanical Effects
by Xiang Hou, Liang Zhang and Xiaoxu Huang
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(15), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16150914 - 24 Jul 2026
Viewed by 412
Abstract
The rapid development of Generation IV nuclear reactors has imposed stringent requirements on structural materials, demanding excellent irradiation resistance to withstand long-term exposure to complex radiation environments, including neutron and ion irradiation. Under irradiation, a large number of defects are generated inside materials [...] Read more.
The rapid development of Generation IV nuclear reactors has imposed stringent requirements on structural materials, demanding excellent irradiation resistance to withstand long-term exposure to complex radiation environments, including neutron and ion irradiation. Under irradiation, a large number of defects are generated inside materials via displacement cascades, and the dynamic evolution of these defects gradually leads to macroscopic property deterioration, potentially triggering major accidents such as equipment failure and even posing system safety hazards. Thus, understanding the law of defect evolution in materials under irradiation and exploring the microscopic mechanism of irradiation damage are core prerequisites for material service life prediction, radiation resistance optimization, and safety risk assessment. In recent years, computational simulation, leveraging its unique advantages in multiscale and multiphysics coupling research, has yielded numerous innovative achievements in the irradiation field. This review overviews the progress of computational simulation studies on irradiation damage in nuclear structural materials over the past few decades, focuses on summarizing the “generation-evolution-annihilation” process of irradiation defects, and further discusses the impact of irradiation on the macroscopic mechanical properties of materials. The content and outlook of this review can advance the microscopic-level comprehension of irradiation damage mechanisms in structural materials and provide guidance for the development of a new generation of materials with excellent irradiation resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Design and Property Prediction of Nanomaterials)
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