Fundamental Processes in Nanoparticle Synthesis and Functional Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Application of nanomaterials is widespread. Their unique properties—such as high surface area, exceptional chemical and physical response, and controllable optical, mechanical, and electrical properties—make them highly versatile. Over the past three decades, there have been significant advancements in nanoparticle research. Current challenges in this field include toxicity and long-term safety of nanoparticles; difficulties in developing standardized and reproducible synthesis methods; challenges in overcoming biological barriers for effective delivery; management of environmental exposure; and scale-up and commercialization of the production process. Other challenges include understanding the nanoparticle nucleation process and controlling size, polydispersity, and functionality.

Nanomaterials are synthesized by two main approaches: top-down and bottom-up. Common methods include sol–gel and microemulsion synthesis, laser ablation, and green/biological methods. Recent advances in nanoparticle synthesis have led to the development of new materials, methods, and technologies that offer significant advantages over the traditional approaches. Understanding fundamentals of nanoparticle formation is crucial for addressing the existing challenges.

This Special Issue, entitled “Fundamental Processes in Nanoparticle Synthesis and Functional Applications”, seeks high-quality contributions focusing on the latest advances and novel work in nanoparticle synthesis and applications. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Novel synthesis of organic and inorganic nanoparticles such as ceramic, silica, carbon, composites, lead, quantum nanoparticles and their applications in energy, environmental science, manufacturing, medicine, and electronics.
• Novel synthesis of protein and lipid nanoparticles for applications in drug delivery, vaccine and gene therapy manufacturing, imaging, and diagnostics.
• Novel applications of functionalized nanoparticles.
• Fundamental studies on nanoparticle formation involving primary and secondary nucleation, growth, coagulation, and Ostwald ripening.
• Modeling and optimization of nanoparticle formation processes and nanoparticle-based processes using mathematical tools such as CFD and population balance models.

Dr. Vivekananda Bal
Dr. Maria Josè Lo Faro
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. Processes 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.