Advances in Solid–Liquid Interface Science: From Fundamentals to Applications

A special issue of Surfaces (ISSN 2571-9637).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 553

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
Interests: surface chemistry; interfacial catalysis; interfacial adsorption; novel surfactant synthesis

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Guest Editor
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230601, China
Interests: organic synthesis; interfacial synthesis

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Guest Editor
College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
Interests: film fabrication on air/liquid surface; dynamic transfer of solid surface; droplet at liquid surface
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, "Advances in Solid-Liquid Interface Science: From Fundamentals to Applications," seeks to provide a comprehensive exploration of the latest breakthroughs and innovations at solid–liquid interfaces. It will focus on the fundamental mechanisms governing physical, chemical, and electrochemical interactions at these interfaces, with a particular emphasis on new insights into ion adsorption, surface reactivity, and electrochemical behaviour.

Emerging applications of solid–liquid interface science—such as advanced materials for energy storage, environmental remediation, and catalysis—will also be highlighted. Recent advances in nanomaterials, smart coatings, and interface engineering are transforming the way we approach challenges in energy storage devices, water purification, and corrosion control.

The Issue will feature cutting-edge studies that explore novel experimental techniques and theoretical models, shedding light on the critical role that these interfaces play in a wide range of scientific and technological advancements. By gathering top-tier research on interface behaviour, interfacial charge transfer, and surface chemistry, this Special Issue aims to deepen our understanding of solid–liquid interfaces and their critical role in the development of next-generation technologies.

Dr. Minghui Zhang
Prof. Dr. Yang'en You
Prof. Dr. Yu Fu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Surfaces is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • solid–liquid interface
  • ion adsorption
  • surface chemistry
  • electrochemical interactions
  • interface behavior
  • material science
  • environmental applications
  • energy storage
  • surface energy
  • nanomaterials
  • interface catalysis
  • surface catalysis
  • heterogeneous catalysis
  • surface modification

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 2781 KB  
Article
Comparative Study on Cation Adsorption and Thermodynamic Characteristics of Clay Minerals in Electrolyte Solutions
by Jiazhong Wu, Heshu Hu, Shuke Zhao, Yisong Li, Kun Zhao, Minghui Zhang and Bin Ding
Surfaces 2025, 8(4), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces8040090 - 15 Dec 2025
Viewed by 81
Abstract
The interaction between clay minerals and electrolyte solutions critically affects waterflooding efficiency in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). This study systematically investigated the adsorption and thermodynamic properties of montmorillonite, illite, and kaolinite in different cationic solutions (K+, Na+, Ca2+ [...] Read more.
The interaction between clay minerals and electrolyte solutions critically affects waterflooding efficiency in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). This study systematically investigated the adsorption and thermodynamic properties of montmorillonite, illite, and kaolinite in different cationic solutions (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+), integrating adsorption isotherm analysis with immersion calorimetry for the first time. Montmorillonite showed the highest adsorption capacity, with the cation affinity following K+ > Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+. The highest immersion enthalpy was observed in KCl solution, indicating the dominant roles of ionic radius and solvation energy. Cation adsorption induced deformation of clay lamellae and modification of Si-O and Al-OH groups. These findings suggest that optimizing injected ion composition can enhance reservoir stability and waterflood performance, providing thermodynamic insights for EOR process optimization. Full article
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10 pages, 2210 KB  
Article
The Supramolecular Structure Modulates the Acidity of Amphiphiles
by Javier Alejandro Bellon and Natalia Wilke
Surfaces 2025, 8(4), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces8040086 - 28 Nov 2025
Viewed by 208
Abstract
It is recognized that the ionization state of amphipathic molecules can affect the curvature and arrangement of the supramolecular structure of which they are a part due to changes in their shape and interactions with neighboring molecules. The pKa influences the overall charge [...] Read more.
It is recognized that the ionization state of amphipathic molecules can affect the curvature and arrangement of the supramolecular structure of which they are a part due to changes in their shape and interactions with neighboring molecules. The pKa influences the overall charge of the molecule and its local environment, which in turn can cause it to pack into different structures, from planar lamellar membranes to curved micelles or reversed phases. It is also recognized, though less explored, that the supramolecular structure can, in turn, affect the pKa value of the molecule. We explored this possibility with oleic acid molecules and found that the apparent pKa changed by two pH units when the surfactant was forced to remain on a flat surface, compared to the value of the aggregate in suspension, where the molecule adopts the most stable supramolecular structure for each ionization state. The pKa shifted to higher values when fatty acid was forced to form planar structures, and the pH range in which neutral and ionic species coexist (conditions under which lamellar vesicles form spontaneously) increased. Thus, we propose that it is possible to control the ionization state of molecules adsorbed onto a surface, and consequently the surface charge, by modifying surface roughness. Full article
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