Sci | New “Materials Science” Section Established

Materials science stands at the core of many of the most transformative scientific and technological advances of the 21st century. Rapid progress in energy technologies, electronics, biotechnology, sustainability, and artificial intelligence has created unprecedented demand for new materials with tailor-made structures, properties, and functions. In response to this global momentum, the “Materials Science” Section of this journal is established as a dedicated platform for publishing high-quality, impactful research that advances both the fundamental understanding and practical application of materials.

The core intention of this Section is to bridge fundamental materials science with real-world technological impact. We welcome contributions that span the entire research spectrum, including theoretical modeling, materials design, synthesis and processing, multiscale characterization, device integration, and system-level performance evaluation. Special emphasis is placed on studies that demonstrate clear structure–property–performance relationships, scalable and manufacturable solutions, and cross-disciplinary innovation.

By bringing together researchers from physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, and data science, this Section seeks to foster a truly interdisciplinary ecosystem for materials innovation. We aim to promote not only scientific excellence but also solutions that address global challenges in energy sustainability, environmental protection, healthcare, and next-generation information technologies.

Ultimately, the “Materials Science” Section is envisioned as a high-visibility venue for disseminating foundational discoveries and translational advances that will shape the future of materials research and technology worldwide.

The Section covers, but is not limited to, the following thematic areas:

1. Energy materials:

Lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries;
Solid-state batteries;
Fuel cells and electrocatalysts;
Carbon capture and utilization;
Solar cells;
Solid-state electrolytes;
Lithium metal anodes;
Supercapacitors;
Photovoltaics;
Thermoelectrics.

2. Nanomaterials and low-dimensional materials:

Two-dimensional materials;
Quantum dots;
Nanowires and nanotubes;
Plasmonic nanoparticles;
Flagship materials;
Graphene;
Transition metal dichalcogenides;
Sensors;
Flexible electronics;
Photonics;
Catalysis;
Biomedical imaging;
Nanoporous materials.

3. Electronic and semiconductor materials:

Wide-bandgap semiconductors;
Neuromorphic materials;
Dielectrics and interconnects;
Gallium nitride;
Silicon carbide;
Oxide semiconductors;
Drivers;
AI hardware;
Data centers;
Power electronics for EVs;
Quantum computing;
Optoelectronics;
LEDs.

4. Biomaterials and bio-integrated materials:

Hydrogels;
Tissue scaffolds;
Wearable bioelectronics;
Regenerative medicine;
Hydrogels;
Biodegradable polymers;
Conductive biomaterials;
Artificial organs;
Soft robotics;
Wound healing;
Drug delivery.

5. Soft matter, polymers and composites:

High-performance polymers;
Stretchable electronics;
Self-healing materials;
Polymer nanocomposites;
Injectable materials;
Aerospace;
Medical devices;
Packaging;
Wearable electronics;
Fiber-reinforced composites;
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs);
Organic-inorganic hybrids.

6. Quantum materials and topological matter:

Topological insulators;
Superconductors;
Spintronics;
Strongly correlated materials.

7. Sustainable and green materials:

Recyclable polymers;
Bio-derived plastics;
CO₂-mineralization materials;
Low-carbon cement;
Sustainable processing;
Green manufacturing;
Pollution remediation.

8. Catalysis and functional surfaces:

Electrocatalysis;
Photocatalysis;
Single-atom catalysts;
Surface coatings.

9. AI-driven materials discovery (materials informatics):

Machine-learning-guided materials design;
High-throughput computation;
Autonomous labs;
Digital twins of materials.

10. Additive manufacturing and advanced processing:

Three-dimensional printing of metals, ceramics, and polymers;
Printed electronics;
Micro-/nano-manufacturing;
In situ process control.

11. Functional materials:

Ferroelectrics;
Multiferroics;
Piezoelectrics;
Magnetocaloric materials;
Superconductors.

12. Ceramics and glasses:

Structural ceramics;
Electroceramics;
Bioceramics;
Ultra-high temperature ceramics;
Glass-ceramics.

13. Metals and alloys:

High-entropy alloys;
Advanced steels;
Light alloys (Al, Mg, Ti);
Refractory metals;
Shape memory alloys.