Symmetry/Asymmetry Design in Colloidal Systems
A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Physics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 139
Special Issue Editors
Interests: polymers; colloids; 2D materials; 3D printing; sustainable chemistry; composites; wearable conductors; separation; CO2 absorption; structure-property relationship; nanoparticle; nanoparticle modification; mechanical properties
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Colloidal systems—including emulsions, micelles, and vesicles—have become essential platforms for constructing functional superstructures and enabling dynamic material behaviors. A defining feature of these systems is their intrinsic symmetry, which provides structural stability and predictability. However, this symmetric nature can restrict directional interactions and limit architectural and functional complexity. Breaking this symmetry, whether in shape, composition, or dynamic behavior, offers a compelling pathway to unlock new material capabilities and expand the design space for advanced applications.
This Special Issue invites high-quality contributions that critically explore the roles of symmetry and asymmetry in colloidal systems. We seek research that not only elucidates how symmetry governs particle interactions and collective behavior but also demonstrates how introducing asymmetry can drive innovation across fields such as targeted drug delivery, smart and responsive materials, and self-healing systems. Submissions are not restricted to liquid–liquid or fluid–fluid systems, and research involving gas and solid phases is equally encouraged.
Dr. Yifei Wang
Dr. Huaixuan Cao
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
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. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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
- colloids
- interface
- symmetry-breaking strategies
- nanophase structures
- self-organization
- out-of-equilibrium behavior
- functional materials
- dynamic behavior
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