Advanced Materials in Chemical Engineering

Dear Colleagues,

We present below a collection that aims to capture relevant research in the area of advanced materials with applications in the field of chemical engineering. Advanced materials, both new and deriving from the modification of existing materials, are defined as those specifically designed to possess new or improved technical properties (structural or functional) or environmental features compared to materials traditionally used to perform the same functions. The use of novel materials encompasses all areas of chemical engineering, e.g., heterogeneous catalysts (thermos-catalysis, electro-catalysis, photo-catalysis, enzymatic catalysis), materials for energy storage, materials for sensors, and materials for separation processes, among many others. Catalysis is fundamental in chemical engineering as it accelerates chemical reactions and enhances the efficiency/selectivity of industrial processes. Heterogeneous catalysts, which operate in a different phase than the reactants, are particularly important due to their ease of separation and reusability. The development of novel materials in this area is a highly active line of research. Advances in materials have enabled the development of new catalytic schemes, such as photo-catalysis, electro-catalysis, enzymatic catalysis, etc., where catalysts are activated under different operating conditions. In the production of batteries and supercapacitors, advanced materials are also widely used. These materials enhance the storage capacity and lifespan of energy storage devices, which is crucial for applications in renewable energy. Advances in materials have also led to the development of solid-state batteries, offering greater safety and energy density. Advanced materials are being investigated in the fabrication of chemical sensors. The development of materials for specific applications that can detect very low concentrations of chemical substances, which is vital for environmental monitoring and industrial safety, is another active line of research. Advanced materials are also being developed for separation processes such as membrane distillation reverse osmosis. These new materials allow for more efficient and selective separation of chemical components, reducing energy consumption and improving process sustainability. Although it is not possible to cover all areas of chemical engineering where the development of novel materials is relevant in this presentation, several lines of research can be identified. This collection is open to these topics and any others that provide advances in the development, characterization, and application of novel materials, such as the following:

• The development of new catalytic materials for enhanced reaction efficiency.
• Advanced materials for high-capacity and long-life energy storage devices.
• Innovative materials for highly sensitive and specific chemical sensors.
• The development of materials for efficient and sustainable separation processes.
• Research on materials for environmental applications, such as pollution control and waste management.
• Exploration of bio-based and biodegradable materials for sustainable engineering solutions.
• The development of smart materials with adaptive properties for various industrial applications.
• Investigation of materials for advanced manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing and nanotechnology.
• Characterization techniques for understanding the properties and applications of novel materials.

Dr. Mario J. Muñoz-Batista
Dr. Akira Otsuki
Topic Editors