Chemical Properties and Application of Gel Materials

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue on “Chemical Properties and Application of Gel Materials” is dedicated to exploring the unique chemical properties of gel materials as well as their diverse applications across a wide range of fields, from healthcare to the food industry and from environmental remediation to advanced electronic devices. Understanding how the chemical components govern gel formation, microstructure, and mechanical properties is essential for harnessing their full potential in specific applications. In this Special Issue, we invite contributions exploring the structure–property relationships of gel materials, shedding light on their synthesis, characterization, and manipulation. Researchers are encouraged to explore the molecular interactions, cross-linking mechanisms, and stimulus-responsive behaviors that define gel properties. Additionally, investigations into novel gel-forming materials and innovative synthesis techniques are welcomed to broaden our understanding and expand the range of available gel materials. In addition to elucidating gel materials' chemical and physical properties, contributions exploring the use of gel materials in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, environmental remediation, food science, cosmetics, and advanced electronic devices are highly encouraged. This Special Issue aims to provide an interdisciplinary discussion and inspire further advancements in this field by highlighting the theoretical foundations and applications of gel materials. We believe that this Special Issue will present a valuable platform for researchers to exchange ideas, share insights, and catalyze innovation for gel materials. Join us in exploring the rich chemical landscape of gels and unlocking their boundless potential to address technological challenges.

Dr. Jiahui Liu
Dr. Wen Sun
Dr. Xiaolong Zeng
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. Gels 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 2600 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.

• soft materials
• gel materials
• synthesis and characterization
• structure–property relationships