Polyelectrolytes and Polyelectrolyte Complexes-in Memory of Prof. Paul Dubin

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to polyelectrolytes and polyelectrolyte complexes. Many water-soluble macromolecules of both biological and synthetic origin are polyelectrolytes, so systems with a high water content have traditionally been an important focus for this field. Lately, there has also been increasing interest in macromolecular materials with strong ionic interactions at the limit of little or no (aqueous) solvent, such as solid polyelectrolyte complexes, as well as in poly(ionic liquids) and new types of polyelectrolytes such as conjugated polyelectrolytes.

The aim of this Special Issue is to discuss the design, synthesis, and characterization of polyelectrolytes and polyelectrolyte complexes, the common denominator of which is the way that strong ionic interactions determine the final physical properties of the materials that they compose. Both research and review articles are welcome.

We wish to dedicate this Special Issue to the memory of the late Professor Paul Dubin. Throughout his career, Paul pursued a firm conviction that insights from the study of the physical chemistry of polyelectrolytes in solution and their interactions with a host of complexation partners would bring a much needed dimension to our comprehension of the workings of biological systems. For five decades he pursued, with a wide range of colleagues, a deeper understanding of polyelectrolytes and their complexing activities with surfactants, polymers and colloids. The high quality of his scientific work and his tireless efforts not only helped to develop the polyelectrolyte technical community, but also expanded its impact on adjacent fields. For this reason, this Special Issue of the journal Polymers is dedicated to his memory.

Dr. Renko De Vries
Prof. Frans Leermakers
Dr. Ulrich Scheler
Dr. Raymond Farinato
Prof. Sarah L. Perry
Guest Editors

Prof. Paul Dubin was an Editorial Board Member of Polymers. This Special Issue also acknowledges his dedication to the journal Polymers.

Polymers Editorial Office

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