Advances in Functionalized Polymer-Based Coatings for Environment, Energy and Sensing Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Functionalized polymer-based coatings represent a rapidly advancing platform for applications in environmental protection, sustainable energy technologies and high‑performance sensing. A key advantage of these coatings is their ability to immobilize active nanomaterials on diverse surfaces, preventing their release and potential environmental impact. At the same time, recent developments in chemical functionalization, surface engineering and nanostructuring have enabled the creation of coatings with tailored wettability, improved barrier performance and selective molecular recognition.

In environmental applications, such polymer-based functional coatings offer enhanced resistance to corrosion, fouling and chemical degradation, contributing to extended material durability and a reduced ecological footprint. In the energy field, they play a crucial role in improving charge transport, thermal regulation and light‑harvesting efficiency, supporting the development of next‑generation batteries, fuel cells and photovoltaic systems. In sensing technologies, the combination of responsive polymers with conductive or optically active components has enabled highly sensitive, real‑time detection of gases, biomolecules and environmental pollutants.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions that advance innovative design strategies, elucidate structure–property relationships and explore emerging applications of functionalized polymer coatings aimed at improving sustainability, energy efficiency and advanced diagnostic capabilities.

Dr. Simona Filice
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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