Topic Editors

Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215123, China
Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, China
School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
Dr. Yanjun Zhao
School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Dr. Fangzhi Wang
School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Agricultural and Engineering University, Jinan 250100, China
College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China
Dr. Xiong He
School of Electronic Engineering, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545000, China

Functional Materials: Cross-Scale Innovations from Molecular Design to Macroscopic Applications

Abstract submission deadline
31 January 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
30 April 2026
Viewed by
25

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Functional materials consist of a class of material systems engineered mainly to carry targeted physical, chemical, or biological functionalities, with applications in energy conversion, information storage, environmental remediation, catalysis, and biomedicine. The convergence of nanotechnology, molecular engineering, and computational science has expanded functional materials research from single-scale approaches (e.g., molecular or bulk materials) to cross-scale collaborative design, forming a tripartite "molecule–nano–macro" paradigm. This Topic explores recent advances in molecular-based, nanoscale, macrostructural, and catalytic functional materials, focusing on design strategies, performance optimization, and interdisciplinary applications. The above-mentioned main themes can involve, but are not limited to, the following sub-themes:

1. Molecular-Scale Functional Materials

  • Molecular design and dynamic response;
  • Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs);
  • Dynamic covalent chemical networks.

2. Nanoscale Functional Materials

  • Surface/interface engineering of nanocatalysts;
  • Low-dimensional nanomaterials and quantum effects;
  • Nano–bio interfaces and delivery systems.

3. Macroscale Structural Functional Materials

  • Bioinspired multiscale architectures;
  • Smart materials and active response systems;
  • Metamaterials and artificial microstructures.

4. Catalytic Functional Materials

  • Mechanisms and activity regulation in heterogeneous catalysis;
  • Photo-/electrocatalytic energy conversion materials;
  • Single-atom and cluster catalysis.

5. Cross-Scale Integration and Synergy

  • Molecular–nano–macro multiscale manufacturing;
  • Multiphysics coupling and intelligent control.

We particularly encourage explorations in emerging interdisciplinary frontiers, such as the following:

  • Computational Paradigm-Driven Innovation: Integration of machine learning, quantum computing, and materials genome engineering;
  • Sustainability and Circular Design: Bio-based materials, degradable systems, and low-carbon manufacturing;
  • Extreme Environment Adaptability: Ultra-stable functional materials for aerospace, deep-sea, and nuclear applications;
  • Convergence with Life Sciences: Life-like materials, synthetic organelles, and bio–non-bio interface engineering.

This Topic aims to foster open, inclusive academic exchange, advancing functional materials innovation from fundamental research to industrial transformation.

Dr. Hongda Li
Dr. Shaonan Gu
Dr. Xintong Liu
Dr. Yanjun Zhao
Dr. Fangzhi Wang
Dr. Zhanglei Ning
Dr. Xiong He
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • functional materials
  • nanomaterials
  • photocatalysis
  • electrocatalysis
  • new energy battery materials
  • surface/interface engineering of nanocatalysts

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Catalysts
catalysts
3.8 6.8 2011 13.9 Days CHF 2200 Submit
Materials
materials
3.1 5.8 2008 13.9 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Nanomaterials
nanomaterials
4.4 8.5 2010 14.1 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Chemistry
chemistry
2.4 3.2 2019 17.2 Days CHF 1800 Submit

Preprints.org is a multidisciplinary platform offering a preprint service designed to facilitate the early sharing of your research. It supports and empowers your research journey from the very beginning.

MDPI Topics is collaborating with Preprints.org and has established a direct connection between MDPI journals and the platform. Authors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by posting their preprints at Preprints.org prior to publication:

  1. Share your research immediately: disseminate your ideas prior to publication and establish priority for your work.
  2. Safeguard your intellectual contribution: Protect your ideas with a time-stamped preprint that serves as proof of your research timeline.
  3. Boost visibility and impact: Increase the reach and influence of your research by making it accessible to a global audience.
  4. Gain early feedback: Receive valuable input and insights from peers before submitting to a journal.
  5. Ensure broad indexing: Web of Science (Preprint Citation Index), Google Scholar, Crossref, SHARE, PrePubMed, Scilit and Europe PMC.

Published Papers

This Topic is now open for submission.
Back to TopTop