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Nanomaterials
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Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering
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Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposite Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 August 2026 | Viewed by 6812

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Dawei Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
Interests: nanocomposites; dispersion characterization; nanoparticle functionalization
Prof. Dr. Ying Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
Interests: smart city; intelligent transportation systems; AI-based modeling and prediction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of civil engineering has witnessed substantial advancements with the integration of nanomaterials and nanotechnology, revolutionizing material performance and structural efficiency. The inclusion of various nanomaterials has provided novel solutions for improving the load-bearing capacity, crack resistance, and durability of traditional construction materials such as concrete, asphalt, steel, and composites. Additionally, nanotechnology also facilitates the development of smart materials for structural health monitoring, enabling the early detection of potential damage and proactive maintenance.

This Special Issue aims to explore how nanotechnology can transform the future of civil engineering, paving the way for more resilient, intelligent, and sustainable infrastructures. Submissions of original research articles, review articles, methodology articles, and case studies are all welcome to provide innovative insights into cutting-edge research on the application of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies in civil engineering. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  1. Nano-enhanced civil engineering materials;
  2. Nanotechnology for construction durability and protection;
  3. Smart infrastructures and structural health monitoring;
  4. Nano-scale characterizations and modeling;
  5. Nanotechnology in 3D printing and advanced manufacturing.

Dr. Dawei Zhang
Prof. Dr. Ying Huang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanoparticle
  • nanocomposites
  • nanotechnology
  • nanoscale characterization
  • civil engineering

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 5711 KB  
Article
Effect of Nano-TiO2 Dioxide on the Hydration Process of Tunnel Construction in Low-Temperature Environments
by Yongchun Jiao, Huijian Chen, Shengfu Xu, Fei Fu, Yipeng Tao and Sheng’ai Cui
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(2), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16020138 - 20 Jan 2026
Viewed by 502
Abstract
To address winter construction challenges such as slow early-stage strength development, inhibited hydration processes, and pore structure defects in concrete under low-temperature conditions, this study employs nano-TiO2 as a modifying agent. It is incorporated into concrete through cement replacement methods; the study [...] Read more.
To address winter construction challenges such as slow early-stage strength development, inhibited hydration processes, and pore structure defects in concrete under low-temperature conditions, this study employs nano-TiO2 as a modifying agent. It is incorporated into concrete through cement replacement methods; the study systematically investigates the influence of different admixture dosages (1%, 2%, 3%, by cement mass) on the mechanical properties, hydration process, and micro-pore structure of concrete. The test employed an electro-hydraulic servo universal testing machine to measure compressive and splitting tensile strengths. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) characterized the formation of hydration products (Ca(OH)2). Micro-CT technology and pore network modeling were utilized to quantify micro-pore parameters. Results indicate that (1) nano-TiO2 regulates the setting time of pure paste, with increased dosage shortening both initial and final setting times. At a 3% dosage, initial setting time plummeted from 5.5 min in the control group to 3.3 min; (2) nano-TiO2 significantly enhances early-age (1–3 days) strength of low-temperature concrete, with optimal effect at 1% dosage. Compressive strength and splitting tensile strength at 1 day increased significantly by 20% and 26%, respectively, compared to the control group. Strength differences among groups gradually narrowed at 28 days; (3) DTA indicates that nano-TiO2 accelerates early cement hydration; (4) micro-CT results show that the 1% dosage group exhibits significantly reduced porosity at day 1 compared to the control group, with notable decreases in Grade 0 and Grade 1 interconnected porosity resulting in the most optimal pore structure density. In summary, the optimal dosage of nano-TiO2 in low-temperature environments is 1% by mass of cement. Through the synergistic “nucleation-filling effect,” it promotes early-stage hydration and optimizes pore structure, providing technical support for winter concrete construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering)
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20 pages, 6335 KB  
Article
g-C3N4/CeO2/Bi2O3 Dual Type-II Heterojunction Photocatalysis Self-Cleaning Coatings: From Spectral Absorption Modulation to Engineering Application Characterization
by Shengchao Cui, Run Cheng, Feng Sun, Huishuang Zhao, Hang Yuan, Qing Si, Mengzhe Ai, Weiming Du, Kan Zhou, Yantao Duan and Wenke Zhou
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16010016 - 22 Dec 2025
Viewed by 863
Abstract
To enhance the purification of exhaust gas, a g-C3N4/CeO2/Bi2O3 dual type-II heterojunction photocatalysis was designed and prepared to suppress the recombination of electron–hole pairs and improve light energy utilization. The dual type-II heterojunction structure [...] Read more.
To enhance the purification of exhaust gas, a g-C3N4/CeO2/Bi2O3 dual type-II heterojunction photocatalysis was designed and prepared to suppress the recombination of electron–hole pairs and improve light energy utilization. The dual type-II heterojunction structure effectively reduced the bandgap (Eg) from 2.5 eV to 2.04 eV, thereby extending the light absorption of photocatalysis into the visible region. Following the design of the heterojunction, a self-cleaning process was developed and applied to asphalt pavement rut plates to evaluate its efficiency in degrading vehicle exhaust under real-road conditions. The coating was systematically characterized in terms of exhaust degradation efficiency, hardness, adhesion, water resistance, freeze–thaw durability, and skid resistance. Under 60 min of natural light irradiation, the purification efficiencies for HC, CO, CO2, and NOx reached 22.60%, 19.27%, 14.83%, and 50.01%, respectively. After three-repetition tests, the efficiencies remained high at 21.75%, 19.04%, 14.66%, and 49.83%, demonstrating excellent photocatalytic stability. All other road-performance indicators met the relevant China national standards. The application of this self-cleaning coating in road infrastructure presents a viable strategy for environmental remediation in transportation systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering)
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25 pages, 9967 KB  
Article
Study on the Influence and Mechanism of Mineral Admixtures and Fibers on Frost Resistance of Slag–Yellow River Sediment Geopolymers
by Ge Zhang, Huawei Shi, Kunpeng Li, Jialing Li, Enhui Jiang, Chengfang Yuan and Chen Chen
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(13), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15131051 - 6 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 794
Abstract
To address the demands for resource utilization of Yellow River sediment and the durability requirements of engineering materials in cold regions, this study systematically investigates the mechanisms affecting the frost resistance of slag-Yellow River sediment geopolymers through the incorporation of mineral admixtures (silica [...] Read more.
To address the demands for resource utilization of Yellow River sediment and the durability requirements of engineering materials in cold regions, this study systematically investigates the mechanisms affecting the frost resistance of slag-Yellow River sediment geopolymers through the incorporation of mineral admixtures (silica fume and metakaolin) and fibers (steel fiber and PVA fiber). Through 400 freeze-thaw cycles combined with microscopic characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, and MIP, the results indicate that the group with 20% silica fume content (SF20) exhibited optimal frost resistance, showing a 19.9% increase in compressive strength after 400 freeze-thaw cycles. The high pozzolanic reactivity of SiO2 in SF20 promoted continuous secondary gel formation, producing low C/S ratio C-(A)-S-H gels and increasing the gel pore content from 24% to 27%, thereby refining the pore structure. Due to their high elastic deformation capacity (6.5% elongation rate), PVA fibers effectively mitigate frost heave stress. At the same dosage, the compressive strength loss rate (6.18%) and splitting tensile strength loss rate (21.79%) of the PVA fiber-reinforced group were significantly lower than those of the steel fiber-reinforced group (9.03% and 27.81%, respectively). During the freeze-thaw process, the matrix pore structure exhibited a typical two-stage evolution characteristic of “refinement followed by coarsening”: In the initial stage (0–100 cycles), secondary hydration products from mineral admixtures filled pores, reducing the proportion of macropores by 5–7% and enhancing matrix densification; In the later stage (100–400 cycles), due to frost heave pressure and differences in thermal expansion coefficients between matrix phases (e.g., C-(A)-S-H gel and fibers), interfacial microcracks propagated, causing the proportion of macropores to increase back to 35–37%. This study reveals the synergistic interaction between mineral admixtures and fibers in enhancing freeze–thaw performance. It provides theoretical support for the high-value application of Yellow River sediment in F400-grade geopolymer composites. The findings have significant implications for infrastructure in cold regions, including subgrade materials, hydraulic structures, and related engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering)
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24 pages, 11809 KB  
Article
Effect of Nanosilica on the Undrained Shear Strength of Organic Soil
by Carlos Solórzano-Blacio and Jorge Albuja-Sánchez
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(9), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15090702 - 7 May 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2057
Abstract
Organic soil is widely recognized for its low shear strength and high compressibility, which pose challenges for construction projects. One of the most commonly used methods for enhancing the mechanical properties of soil is chemical stabilization using various additives. In this study, the [...] Read more.
Organic soil is widely recognized for its low shear strength and high compressibility, which pose challenges for construction projects. One of the most commonly used methods for enhancing the mechanical properties of soil is chemical stabilization using various additives. In this study, the undrained shear strength of organic soil from Quito, Ecuador, with an average organic content of 43.84%, was reinforced using 0.5, 1, 3, and 6% nanosilica. A series of tests, including Atterberg limit, specific gravity, compaction, and unconfined compression tests, were conducted on specimens cured for 28 days. The results indicate that increasing the nanosilica content leads to higher plasticity, lower maximum dry density, and higher optimum moisture content. In addition, the modulus of elasticity and undrained shear strength improved. The optimal nanosilica content was found to be 1%, resulting in a 211.28% increase in the undrained shear strength. The mechanisms of soil improvement driven by the chemical interactions between nanosilica, mineralogical components (analyzed via XRD), and soil organic matter are discussed in detail. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering)
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17 pages, 6439 KB  
Article
Coarse-Grained Monte Carlo Simulations of Graphene-Enhanced Geopolymer Nanocomposite Nucleation
by Mohammadreza Izadifar, Neven Ukrainczyk and Eduardus Koenders
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(4), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15040289 - 13 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1739
Abstract
Geopolymer nanocomposites, incorporating pristine graphene-based nanomaterials, are at the forefront of research in advanced construction materials, improving mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. This study investigates the nucleation mechanisms of geopolymers on pristine graphene substrates, namely graphene-reinforced geopolymer nanocomposites (GRGNs), by analyzing nanostructure particle [...] Read more.
Geopolymer nanocomposites, incorporating pristine graphene-based nanomaterials, are at the forefront of research in advanced construction materials, improving mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. This study investigates the nucleation mechanisms of geopolymers on pristine graphene substrates, namely graphene-reinforced geopolymer nanocomposites (GRGNs), by analyzing nanostructure particle sizes, pore size distributions, cluster sizes, and system energy at a pH of 11, compared to a system without graphene nanosheets. Seven distinct monomer species were selected to observe cluster evolution over numerous iterations, providing insights into the dynamic nature of geopolymer nucleation on graphene-based substrates. Thus, the computed adsorption energies, based on recent DFT studies, reveal interactions between aluminosilicate species and graphene nanomaterials. Furthermore, the implementation of energy values from dimerization reactions among monomer species, as reported earlier, introduces tetrahedral geometrical constraints, crucial for understanding how particles aggregate into clusters. The key findings indicated that (4.34%) fewer particles participate in cluster formation in the system containing a graphene nanosheet compared to the one without it. However, the system with the graphene nanosheet exhibits (1.65%) more favorable energy. This contrast is due to the weaker adsorption energy on the graphene nanosheet (heterogenous nucleation) than in homogenous particle nucleation. The complete dissolution of MK required (4.54%) more iterations in the system with graphene than in the system without it. This research underscores the significant potential of geopolymer nanocomposites and their role in shaping the future of construction materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering)
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