Recent Advances in Applied Polymers in Renewable Energy

Dear Colleagues,

The current shift towards renewable energy sources has highlighted the need for efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective materials. Among these materials, polymers have attracted attention due to their versatility, adaptability, and potential for large-scale applications. Their unique properties, such as flexibility, lightness, chemical stability, and easy processing, make them materials with attractive potential applications in renewable energy production. Recent advances in polymer technology have paved the way for their integration into renewable energy systems, offering promising solutions for energy storage, conversion, and efficiency improvement. In this context, we are pleased to announce a Special Issue dedicated to “Recent Advances in Applied Polymers in Renewable Energy”. This polymers edition aims to showcase cutting-edge research and innovations in the applications of polymers across different renewable energy technologies.

We invite researchers and experts in the field to submit original manuscripts that address different topics of renewable energy production from the application of polymers, potential topics include but are not restricted to the following:

Polymers in Solar Energy (Polymer and Copolymer blends, and flexible and printable solar panels): Polymers play a crucial role in the development of organic photovoltaics (OPVs), a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells. OPVs use conjugated polymers that can absorb light and convert it into electricity.

Polymers in Energy Storage (Polymer Electrolytes in Lithium-Ion Batteries, and Conducting Polymers in Supercapacitors): As renewable energy generation increases, energy storage has become a critical challenge in ensuring a stable supply. Polymers are being explored for use in batteries and supercapacitors due to their flexibility, lightweight nature, and high conductivity.

Polymers for Fuel Cells (High-Performance Polymer Membranes, Cost Reduction, and Polymer Electrolyte Membranes (PEMs) for electrolyzers): Fuel cells, particularly proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), are a promising technology for clean energy production. Polymers, such as perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) and other sulfonated polymers, are crucial components in PEMFC electrolyte membranes.

Polymers in Wind Energy (Improved Materials for Blade Durability, and Recyclable and Eco-Friendly Composites): Polymers also have a role in the development of wind energy technologies, particularly in the construction of wind turbine blades. Composite materials, including polymer matrix composites (PMCs), are used to manufacture large, lightweight, and durable blades.

Sustainability and Environmental (Recyclability, Biodegradable, and Bio-Based Polymers): The potential of polymers in renewable energy is vast, so researchers that relates their environmental impacts to energy production will also be welcome.

Prof. Dr. Miguel Antonio Domínguez Crespo
Dr. Aidé Minerva Torres Huerta
Dr. Diana Palma Ramírez
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. Polymers 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 2700 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.