Announcements

MDPI will be presenting at the 7th Scientific Meeting of Ph.D. Students at the UAB campus (JPhD2023). The event will be held at the Sala d'Actes Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain, from 7 to 9 June 2023.

JPhD2023 aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge about scientific research from different fields, sharing of research works and communication among the Ph.D. students of the BNC-b in an academic and scientific environment.

MDPI Speaker

Dr. Gabriel Martínez Edo
Presentation theme: MDPI Open Access & Peer Review Process 

Dr. Gabriel Martínez Edo holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry (2013) and a master’s degree in pharmaceutical chemistry (2015) from the IQS school of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull (Barcelona, Spain). He completed his Ph.D. (2020) in chemistry and chemical engineering at the same institution focusing on the use of nanomaterials as drug delivery systems.

He joined MDPI in June 2020 as Assistant Editor and Section Managing Editor for the journal Nanomaterials. In 2021, he was appointed Managing Editor of the journal Nanomanufacturing, a position he held until his recent appointment as Journal Relations Specialist.  

If you are also attending this conference, please feel free to stop by our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit: https://jphd.icmab.es/.

Relevant Journals:

The Section “Materials Simulation and Design” focuses on all aspects of inorganic and organic material properties, advances in the synthesis, processing, characterization, testing and design of materials and engineering systems, applications in technology, and the modeling and simulation of a broad range of materials, including ceramics, metals, glasses, semiconductors, polymers, biological materials, composites, etc. Papers on solid materials, interfaces, and material issues associated with surfaces, defects, and the microstructure are of particular interest.

We are pleased to present the 2023 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Materials Simulation and Design”:

“Modeling Cyclic Crack Propagation in Concrete Using the Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method Coupled with the Cumulative Damage-Plasticity Constitutive Law”
by Omar Alrayes, Carsten Könke, Ean Tat Ooi and Khader M. Hamdia
Materials 2023, 16(2), 863; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020863
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/2/863

“Assessment of Convolutional Neural Network Pre-Trained Models for Detection and Orientation of Cracks”
by Waqas Qayyum, Rana Ehtisham, Alireza Bahrami, Charles Camp, Junaid Mir and Afaq Ahmad
Materials 2023, 16(2), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020826
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/2/826

“Electronic, Optical, Mechanical, and Electronic Transport Properties of SrCu₂O₂: A First-Principles Study”
by Sheng Jiang, Chaohao Hu, Dianhui Wang, Yan Zhong and Chengying Tang
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1829; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051829
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/5/1829

“Application of the ps−Version of the Finite Element Method to the Analysis of Laminated Shells”
by Cheng Angelo Yan and Riccardo Vescovini
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1395; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041395
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1395

“The Characteristic Microstructures and Properties of Steel-Based Alloy via Additive Manufacturing”
by Chunlei Shang, Honghui Wu, Guangfei Pan, Jiaqi Zhu, Shuize Wang, Guilin Wu, Junheng Gao, Zhiyuan Liu, Ruidi Li and Xinping Mao
Materials 2023, 16(7), 2696; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16072696
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/7/2696

“Band Gaps and Optical Properties of RENiO₃ upon Strain: Combining First-Principles Calculations and Machine Learning”
by Xuchang Tang, Zhaokai Luo and Yuanyuan Cui
Materials 2023, 16(8), 3070; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16083070
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/8/3070

“Inductive Determination of Rate-Reaction Equation Parameters for Dislocation Structure Formation Using Artificial Neural Network”
by Yoshitaka Umeno, Emi Kawai, Atsushi Kubo, Hiroyuki Shima and Takashi Sumigawa
Materials 2023, 16(5), 2108; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16052108
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/5/2108

“On the Springback and Load in Three-Point Air Bending of the AW-2024 Aluminium Alloy Sheet with AW-1050A Aluminium Cladding”
by Stanisław Kut, Grzegorz Pasowicz and Feliks Stachowicz
Materials 2023, 16(8), 2945; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16082945
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/8/2945

“Heat Transfer Analysis of Warm Guss Asphalt Concrete for Mini-Trench Overlaying”
by Kyung-Nam Kim, Yeong-Min Kim, Sang-Yum Lee and Tri Ho Minh Le
Materials 2023, 16(7), 2808; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16072808
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/7/2808

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the research groups that submitted to Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944). We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field. Proposals may be submitted via the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journalproposal/sendproposalspecialissue/materials.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Materials Simulation and Design and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

We are pleased to present the 2023 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Thin Films and Interfaces” listed below.

“Analyzing the Bolometric Performance of Vanadium Oxide Thin Films Modified by Carbon Nanotube Dispersions”
by Usha Philipose, Chris Littler, Yan Jiang, Alia Naciri, Michael Harcrow and A. J. Syllaios
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1534; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041534
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1534

“CALPHAD-Based Modelling of the Temperature–Composition–Structure Relationship during Physical Vapor Deposition of Mg-Ca Thin Films”
by Philipp Keuter, Moritz to Baben, Shamsa Aliramaji and Jochen M. Schneider
Materials 2023, 16(6), 2417; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16062417
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/6/2417

“Effect of a ZrO₂ Seed Layer on an Hf_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ Ferroelectric Device Fabricated via Plasma Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition”
by Ji-Na Song, Min-Jung Oh and Chang-Bun Yoon
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1959; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051959
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/5/1959

“Enhanced Surface Properties of the Al_0.65CoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloy via Laser Remelting”
by Junwei Miao, Tianxin Li, Qiang Li, Xiaohu Chen, Zheng Ren and Yiping Lu
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1085; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031085
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1085

“Laser Emission Spectroscopy of Graphene Oxide Deposited on 316 Steel and Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy Suitable for Orthopedics”
by Barbara Nasiłowska, Wojciech Skrzeczanowski, Aneta Bombalska and Zdzisław Bogdanowicz
Materials 2023, 16(7), 2574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16072574
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/7/2574

“Silver Nanoparticles for Fluorescent Nanocomposites by High-Pressure Magnetron Sputtering”
by Tomáš Zikmund, Jiří Bulíř, Michal Novotný, Ladislav Fekete, Sergii Chertopalov, Stefan Andrei Irimiciuc, Mariana Klementová, Jarmila Balogová and Jan Lančok
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1591; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041591
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1591

“Surface Modification and Properties of Thin Ink Films with Added TiO₂ and ZnO Nanoparticles Applied on Paperboard Substrates”
by Sanja Mahović Poljaček, Tamara Tomašegović, Maja Strižić Jakovljević and Davor Donevski
Materials 2023, 16(2), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020478
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/2/478

“The Effect of Fe/Al Ratio and Substrate Hardness on Microstructure and Deposition Behavior of Cold-Sprayed Fe/Al Coatings”
by You Wang, Nan Deng, Zhenfeng Tong and Zhangjian Zhou
Materials 2023, 16(2), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020878
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/2/878

“Towards Room Temperature Phase Transition of W-Doped VO2 Thin Films Deposited by Pulsed Laser Deposition: Thermochromic, Surface, and Structural Analysis”
by Yannick Bleu, Florent Bourquard, Vincent Barnier, Anne-Sophie Loir, Florence Garrelie and Christophe Donnet
Materials 2023, 16(1), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010461
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/461

“Ultrafiltration Membranes Modified with Reduced Graphene Oxide: Effect on Methyl Green Removal from Aqueous Solution”
by María Dolores Murcia, Asunción M. Hidalgo, María Gómez, Gerardo León, Elisa Gómez and Marta Martínez
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041369
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1369

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the research groups that submitted to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: 
https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Thin Films and Interfaces and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

MDPI will attend the 31st European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (EUBCE 2023) as an exhibitor. This meeting will be held in Bologna, Italy, from 5 to 8 June 2023.

EUBCE is the largest biomass conference and exhibition in the world. Each year, EUBCE brings together the greatest minds and latest advancements in biomass, with the aim of accelerating research and market uptake across the globe. During the conference, over 2,000 experts from both academia and industry share and discuss groundbreaking ideas, technologies, applications, and solutions for the sourcing, production, and utility of biomass. The scientific program is coordinated by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. Since its 30th edition, the event has been complemented by the Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking, aiming at identifying innovation, stimulating investment, and mobilizing the bio-based industry sector. This is an excellent opportunity to address even more stakeholders globally through the conference.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Sustainability;
• Energies;
• Biomass;
• Environment;
• Materials;
• Minerals;
• Biology;
• Recycling;
• Atmosphere;
• Earth.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us at our booth #36. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit https://www.eubce.com/.

The Section “Soft Matter” of Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) was established to enhance our understanding of soft matter in the context of material science. In December 2022, Dr. Ingo Dierking from the University of Manchester, UK, was appointed the Section Editor-in-Chief.

On the initiative of Dr. Dierking, and in order to advance the development of this Section, the Editorial Office organized a voting, requesting the Editorial Board Members to choose the best Editor's Choice Article (ECA, a carefully curated selection of high-quality articles in Materials) of 2022 in this Section. We are pleased to announce the winning article.

Title: “Thioether-Linked Liquid Crystal Trimers: Odd–Even Effects of Spacers and the Influence of Thioether Bonds on Phase Behavior”
Authors: Yuki Arakawa, Kenta Komatsu, Yuko Ishida, Takuma Shiba and Hideto Tsuji
Affiliation: Department of Applied Chemistry and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, 1-1 Hibarigaoka, Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi 441-8580, Japan

We would like to congratulate Prof. Yuki Arakawa, Mr. Kenta Komatsu, Ms. Yuko Ishida, Mr. Takuma Shiba and Prof. Hideto Tsuji again for their accomplishments.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that submitted manuscripts to the Section “Soft Matter” of Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field:
https://www.mdpi.com/journalproposal/sendproposalspecialissue/materials

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of soft matter, and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) is proud to sponsor the Best Student Paper Awards for the 46th Workshop on Compound Semiconductor Devices and Integrated Circuits held in Europe and 17th Expert Evaluation and Control of Compound Semiconductor Materials and Technologies conference, a major event for experts in scholarly communications.

The 46th Workshop on Compound Semiconductor Devices and Integrated Circuits held in Europe and 17th Expert Evaluation and Control of Compound Semiconductor Materials and Technologies connects librarians, publishers, content providers, consultants and intermediaries from around the world with high-quality plenary presentations, lightning talks and breakout sessions. The program of the conference can be accessed here.

Date: 21–25 May 2023
Place: Palermo, Italy

Check the latest conference news on LinkedIn.

For corporate conference sponsorship inquiries, please contact materials@mdpi.com.

The Section “Metals and Alloys” of Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) aims to provide an international peer-reviewed medium for the dissemination and active discussion of the latest and most important advances in the field of metals and alloy science, as well as advances in engineering technology and innovative applications. Experimental and theoretical approaches to solve materials problems require novel scientific disciplines based on traditional disciplines. Those reports on the simulation of metals and alloys science can only be accepted if the results have already been validated by experiments or a dedicated application. All submitted contributions are subject to a strict peer-review process and the final decision on publication should be made based on the recommendations of independent experts.

The Section “Metals and Alloys” welcomes the submission of high-quality research on various aspects of the metals and alloys science field. Papers submitted for publication should contain new experimental or theoretical results and their interpretation. Design, modeling and simulation, processing, and characterization techniques of metals and alloys are welcome, in particular the relationship of advanced manufacturing processing and microstructure properties of metals and alloys.

We are pleased to present the 2023 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Metals and Alloys”, as listed below:

“A Review of Characterization and Modelling Approaches for Sheet Metal Forming of Lightweight Metallic Materials”
by Yong Hou, Dongjoon Myung, Jong Kyu Park, Junying Min, Hyung-Rim Lee, Ali Abd El-Aty and Myoung-Gyu Lee
Materials 2023, 16(2), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020836
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/2/836

“Research Progress on Multi-Component Alloying and Heat Treatment of High Strength and Toughness Al–Si–Cu–Mg Cast Aluminum Alloys”
by Mingshan Zhang, Yaqiang Tian, Xiaoping Zheng, Yuan Zhang, Liansheng Chen and Junsheng Wang
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031065
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1065

“Ongoing Challenges of Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion Processing of Al Alloys and Potential Solutions from the Literature—A Review”
by Alessandra Martucci, Alberta Aversa and Mariangela Lombardi
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031084
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1084

“Novel Ultrafine-Grain Mg-Gd/Nd-Y-Ca Alloys with an Increased Ignition Temperature”
by Stanislav Šašek, Peter Minárik, Jitka Stráská, Klára Hosová, Jozef Veselý, Jiří Kubásek, Robert Král, Tomáš Krajňák and Dalibor Vojtěch
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031299
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1299

“Mechanical Behavior of Austenitic Steel under Multi-Axial Cyclic Loading”
by Abhishek Biswas, Dzhem Kurtulan, Timothy Ngeru, Abril Azócar Guzmán, Stefanie Hanke and Alexander Hartmaier
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1367; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041367
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1367

“Changes in Abrasion Resistance of Cast Cr-Ni Steel as a Result of the Formation of Niobium Carbides in Alloy Matrix”
by Grzegorz Tęcza
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1726; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041726
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1726

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that have submitted their work to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Metals and Alloys and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

The Section “Materials Chemistry” of Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) covers the areas of materials science, chemical engineering, and related crossing fields.

Some topics of interest are:

• Synthesis, chemical and physical characterization of materials;
• Fundamental, theoretical and experimental studies of materials;
• Optical, electrical, energy, environmental, biomedical, magnetic and catalytic applications of materials;
• Nanotechnology;
• Fabrication of materials using advanced methods and techniques;
• Hybrid materials;
• Organic/Inorganic chemistry;
• Electrochemistry;
• Colloid and surface/interface chemistry;
• Polymers and molecules.

We are pleased to present the 2023 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Materials Chemistry” listed below:

“Effect of Blend Composition on Barrier Properties of Insulating Mats Produced from Local Wool and Waste Bast Fibres”
by Anna Kicińska-Jakubowska, Jan Broda, Małgorzata Zimniewska, Marcin Bączek and Jerzy Mańkowski.
Materials 2023, 16(1), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010459
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/459

“Photocatalytic Removal of Antibiotics from Wastewater Using the CeO₂/ZnO Heterojunction”
by Nicolae Apostolescu, Ramona Elena Tataru Farmus, Maria Harja, Mihaela Aurelia Vizitiu, Corina Cernatescu, Claudia Cobzaru and Gabriela Antoaneta Apostolescu
Materials 2023, 16(2), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020850
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/2/850

“Raclopride-Molecularly Imprinted Polymers: A Promising Technology for Selective [¹¹C]Raclopride Purification”
by Roberta Del Sole, Giancarlo Pascali, Giuseppe Mele, Gary Perkins and Lucia Mergola
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031091
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1091

“Optical Properties Investigation of Upconverting K₂Gd(PO₄)(WO₄):20%Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ Phosphors”
by Julija Grigorjevaite and Arturas Katelnikovas
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031305
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1305

“The Historical Development of Infrared Photodetection Based on Intraband Transitions”
by Qun Hao, Xue Zhao, Xin Tang and Menglu Chen
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041562
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1562

“Hydrothermal Synthesis of ZnO Superstructures with Controlled Morphology via Temperature and pH Optimization”
by Aleksander Ejsmont and Joanna Goscianska
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041641
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1641

“Characterization of Ruddlesden-Popper La_2−xBa_xNiO_4±δ Nickelates as Potential Electrocatalysts for Solid Oxide Cells”
by Kiryl Zakharchuk, Andrei Kovalevsky and Aleksey Yaremchenko
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1755; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041755
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1755

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that have submitted their work to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Materials Chemistry and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the “Optics and Photonics” Section. Optics and photonics are all methodologies and technologies that use photons over the entire spectrum from X-ray to ultraviolet, visible, and infrared, to the terahertz range, and their interaction with a variety of materials. This is an evolving interdisciplinary field of research covering all the optical technologies used in life sciences and medicine. Special, new, and biocompatible materials for implants, tissue phantoms, cell printing, cell labeling, light delivery, etc., require research from scientists from various professions, such as physicists, chemists, engineers, biologists, and doctors.

We are pleased to present the 2023 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the “Optics and Photonics” Section listed below:

“Manganese Luminescent Centers of Different Valence in Yttrium Aluminum Borate Crystals”
by Anastasiia Molchanova, Kirill Boldyrev, Nikolai Kuzmin, Alexey Veligzhanin, Kirill Khaydukov, Evgeniy Khaydukov, Oleg Kondratev, Irina Gudim, Elizaveta Mikliaeva and Marina Popova
Materials 2023, 16(2), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020537
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/2/537

“Tet-Regulated Expression and Optical Clearing for In Vivo Visualization of Genetically Encoded Chimeric dCas9/Fluorescent Protein Probes”
by Liliya Maloshenok, Gerel Abushinova, Natalia Kazachkina, Alexei Bogdanov Jr. and Victoria Zherdeva
Materials 2023, 16(3), 940; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16030940
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/940

“Decay Kinetics of Gd₃Al₂Ga₃O₁₂:Ce³⁺ Luminescence under Dense Laser Irradiation”
by Paweł Karasiński, Magdalena Zięba, Ewa Gondek, Jacek Nizioł, Sandeep Gorantla, Krzysztof Rola, Alicja Bachmatiuk and Cuma Tyszkiewicz
Materials 2023, 16(3), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16030971
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/971

“ZGSO Spinel Nanoparticles with Dual Emission of NIR Persistent Luminescence for Anti-Counterfeiting Applications”
by Guanyu Cai, Teresa Delgado, Cyrille Richard and Bruno Viana
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031132
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1132

“MoS₂/Au Heterojunction Catalyst for SERS Monitoring of a Fenton-like Reaction”
by Qian Wei, Beibei Lu, Qing Yang, Can Shi, Yulan Wei, Minmin Xu, Chenjie Zhang and Yaxian Yuan
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031169
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1169

“Polarization Doping in a GaN-InN System—Ab Initio Simulation”
by Ashfaq Ahmad, Pawel Strak, Pawel Kempisty, Konrad Sakowski, Jacek Piechota, Yoshihiro Kangawa, Izabella Grzegory, Michal Leszczynski, Zbigniew R. Zytkiewicz, Grzegorz Muziol et al.
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031227
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1227

“Abnormal Eu³⁺ → Eu²⁺ Reduction in Ca_9−xMn_xEu(PO₄)₇ Phosphors: Structure and Luminescent Properties”
by Elena V. Sipina, Dmitry A. Spassky, Nataliya R. Krutyak, Vladimir A. Morozov, Evgenia S. Zhukovskaya, Alexei A. Belik, Mikhail S. Manylov, Bogdan I. Lazoryak and Dina V. Deyneko
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041383
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1383

“Strong Plasmon-Mie Resonance in Si@Pd Core-Ω Shell Nanocavity”
by Haomin Guo, Qi Hu, Chengyun Zhang, Haiwen Liu, Runmin Wu and Shusheng Pan
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041453
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1453

“Guard Ring Design to Prevent Edge Breakdown in Double-Diffused Planar InGaAs/InP Avalanche Photodiodes”
by Yu-Chun Chen, Ruei-Hong Yan, Hsu-Chia Huang, Liang-Hsuan Nieh and Hao-Hsiung Lin
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1667; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041667
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1667

“Enhanced Luminescence of Yb³⁺ Ions Implanted to ZnO through the Selection of Optimal Implantation and Annealing Conditions”
by Renata Ratajczak, Elzbieta Guziewicz, Slawomir Prucnal, Cyprian Mieszczynski, Przemysław Jozwik, Marek Barlak, Svitlana Romaniuk, Sylwia Gieraltowska, Wojciech Wozniak, René Heller et al.
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1756; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051756
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/5/1756

“Optical Characterization of Thin Films by Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy Using an Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter”
by Ildus Sh. Khasanov, Boris A. Knyazev, Sergey A. Lobastov, Alexander V. Anisimov, Pavel A. Nikitin and Oleg E. Kameshkov
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1820; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051820
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/5/1820

“Intercoupling of Cascaded Metasurfaces for Broadband Spectral Scalability”
by Shaolin Zhou, Liang Liu, Qinling Deng, Shaowei Liao, Quan Xue and Mansun Chan
Materials 2023, 16(5), 2013; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16052013
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/5/2013

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that submitted to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of optics and photonics, and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Conference: The 7^th Conference on New Energy and New Chemical Materials Cum National Symposium on Energy Conversion and Storage Materials
Date: 7–9 April 2023
Place: Wuhan, China

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) will be attending the 7^th Conference on New Energy and New Chemical Materials Cum National Symposium on Energy Conversion and Storage Materials as an exhibitor from 7 to 9 April 2023, in Wuhan, China.

The 7^th Conference on New Energy and New Chemical Materials Cum National Symposium on Energy Conversion and Storage Materials is an important academic conference in the field of new energy materials and devices research in China. It has been successfully held six times in Xiamen, Suzhou, Dalian, Zhengzhou, and twice in Xi'an. The conference will focus on academic exchanges and discussions on secondary batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells and electrocatalysis, advanced energy storage materials and technologies, anode and cathode materials, and other energy storage technologies from the academic and application fields. The conference will bring together famous domestic experts, scholars, and enterprise technicians to discuss the future development prospects and directions of new energy materials and devices research.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Materials;
• Metals;
• Catalysts;
• Nanomaterials;
• Batteries;
• Electrochem;
• Electronic Materials;
• Crystals.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you plan on attending this conference. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions you might have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: http://www.zgclzk.org.cn/col.jsp?id=141.

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the Section “Polymeric Materials”. We are pleased to present the 2023 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Polymeric Materials” listed below:

“Smart PEG-Block-PLA/PLA Nanosystems: Impact of the Characteristics of the Polymer Blend on the Redox Responsiveness”
by Louise Van Gheluwe, Stephanie David, Eric Buchy, Igor Chourpa and Emilie Munnier
Materials 2023, 16(2), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020539
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/2/539

“Polymer and Composite Materials in Two-Phase Passive Thermal Management Systems: A Review”
by Ali Ahmed Alqahtani and Volfango Bertola
Materials 2023, 16(3), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16030893
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/893

“Effect of Polydopamine Coating of Cellulose Nanocrystals on Performance of PCL/PLA Bio-Nanocomposites”
by Ivan Kelnar, Ludmila Kaprálková, Sabina Krejčíková, Jiří Dybal, Michaela Vyroubalová and A. M. Abdel-Mohsen
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031087
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1087

“Epoxy and Bio-Based Epoxy Carbon Fiber Twill Composites: Comparison of the Quasi-Static Properties”
by Carlo Boursier Niutta, Raffaele Ciardiello, Andrea Tridello and Davide S. Paolino
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041601
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1601

“Properties and Emissions of Three-Layer Particleboards Manufactured with Mixtures of Wood Chips and Partially Liquefied Bark”
by Wen Jiang, Stergios Adamopoulos, Reza Hosseinpourpia, Thomas Walther and Sergej Medved
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051855
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/5/1855

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the research groups that submitted to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Polymeric Materials and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

Conference: 6th International Conference on Natural Fibers
Date: 19–21 June 2023
Place: Funchal, Portugal

MDPI will be attending the 6th International Conference on Natural Fibers as an exhibitor. This meeting will be held at the VidaMar Resort Hotel, Funchal, Portugal, from 19 to 21 June 2023. The Organizing Committee comprises the University of Minho. The theme of the conference is "Nature Inspired Sustainable Solutions". Through this meeting, we wish to contribute to discussing and exchanging progress in the potential of natural fibers as key materials for smart designs and sustainable solutions in future generations. 

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Polymers;
• Fibers;
• Macromol;
• Sustainability;
• Surfaces;
• Textiles;
• Materials. 

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit: https://www.icnf2023.fibrenamics.com/.

As the Editors-in-Chief of Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944), we are pleased to announce the winners of the Materials 2023 Travel Award—Dr. Barbara Tomadoni and Ms. Farah Daou.

With so many high-quality applicants, the evaluation process and the final decision were challenging. We want to thank all applicants for submitting their diverse and fascinating range of research topics.

The following is an interview with Dr. Barbara Tomadoni:

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your fields of interest? 
My name is Barbara Tomadoni. I have focused my research on bio-based materials. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher as part of the Group of Technology and Design of Multicomponent Products, at the University of Sevilla, Spain, where I work developing bio-based superabsorbent materials.

2. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
There are many trending topics in different areas that are of interest to the community in general. For example, data science and artificial intelligence have progressed rapidly in recent years. In medicine, genomics is an interesting and fast-growing research topic. In every scientific area, research is focusing on sustainability, aiming to achieve a circular economy and the replacement of petroleum-derived products and water treatments, among many others. Some trending topics particularly interesting in the materials field include nanotechnology, 3D printing, the replacement of lithium batteries, and the development of tailor-made functional materials.

3. Can you briefly describe the key to a happy laboratory life?
For me, one of the key elements to a happy lab life is to have the freedom and independence to work and to express your ideas. Collaboration with your peers is an essential part as well since teamwork is key to conducting successful research. The head of the lab is also an important factor in the life of the researchers, as this person will have a tremendous impact on their scientific and academic careers: a good leader is key to a happy lab life. Last but not least, it is very important to have a proper work–life balance, to avoid burnout and to reach your full potential, which is easier said than done.

4. What is your opinion of the Open Access model of publishing?
I believe that making research widely available to everyone contributes to higher quality research and will boost innovation. It is also important to have a proper research data management plan. For example, depositing research data within the university or institution repository. Making sure that data are available also guarantees the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and contributes to open science. 

5. As the winner of this award, is there something you would like to express?
I would like to thank the Materials journal and MDPI for this award that will allow me to attend the Seventh International Symposium Frontiers in Polymer Science in Gothenburg, Sweden. This will give me the opportunity to connect with the materials community, share our latest findings on superabsorbent materials based on protein, and expand my network and learn about the latest research in the polymer field.

The following is an interview with Ms. Farah Daou:

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your fields of interest?
I am originally from Lebanon and moved to Italy as a research fellow. I am currently studying for my Ph.D. and my experiments are aimed at applications in real-life bone healing. I was interested in a European project, where I was introduced to Prof. Montini and began my journey in this field.

2. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
One of the most important challenges for the future is the global aging population, with the number of people aged 65 and over increasing significantly compared to younger age groups. It is researchers' responsibility to maintain the older population's physical and cognitive health, and therefore work on cartilage and bone regeneration is essential due to a high proportion of older people being significantly impacted by these issues, not only physically, but also through harm to their mental health.

3. Can you briefly describe the key to a happy laboratory life?
First of all, my group is very international and this is amazing. It adds the benefit of getting to know other people's cultures, but also adds different approaches to science and lab work, which gives the chance to improve your own knowledge and learn from others. It is important to accept an old saying from the Greek philosopher Socrates, 'I know that I know nothing'. Having intellectual humility helps in science, as it improves communication between researchers of all experiences and fields. Being able to ask about a topic that you do not know about creates an empowering environment, so it is important for research quality and morale. Science is interdisciplinary, so collaboration is necessary. This is the key to a happy lab life: collaboration and cooperation.

4. What is your opinion of the Open Access model of publishing?
I could not do experiments, research and write my thesis without access to articles. Therefore, I am an advocate for an Open Access model. I commented that both the publisher and authors should get their rights to the paper, which is a very important consideration. Publishing is becoming unaffordable, which drives the gap between smaller groups with limited resources that cannot pay for publishing and bigger groups who can afford to carry on and grow. Therefore, some further balance is needed, because allowing access to all is essential for having a proper scientific dialogue.

5. As the winner of this award, is there something you would like to express?
First of all, I want to thank Prof. Montini as the lab director for giving me the chance to come to Italy despite my limited experience; she opened the door of knowledge for me. When I moved to Italy, I came to understand how big research groups work and how research in developed countries is on another level. I would also like to thank all the people she works with, in the center for autoimmune and allergic diseases. Finally, I would like to thank all of my family members who have supported me, which I cannot go without.

On behalf of the assessment committee, we wish to congratulate the winners on their accomplishments.

The Section “Biomaterials” of Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) covers all aspects of the biomaterials field with a highly interdisciplinary scope, from the synthesis, processing, characterization, and testing to the biomedical applications of biomaterials. Topics of interest for this Section include but are not limited to materials for implants and prosthetic devices (orthopedic, cardiovascular, and other applications), bioactive and cell instructive materials, nanostructured biomaterials and nanoparticles, scaffolds for tissue engineering, biomedical coatings and antibacterial surfaces, materials for drug delivery carriers, tissue/biomaterial interfaces, and studies on clinical applications of biomaterials. Of special interest are papers that present the interaction of biomaterials and the biological environment, e.g., cell biology (in vitro) studies on biomaterials, microbiology interactions with materials (e.g., antibacterial materials), as well as in vivo studies that take the field closer to translation to clinical applications. Papers can present experimental or theoretical studies and should focus both on the “material” and on the “bio” component of biomaterials.

We are pleased to present the 2023 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Biomaterials” listed below:

“The Spray-Dried Alginate/Gelatin Microparticles with Luliconazole as Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System”
by Marta Szekalska, Magdalena Wróblewska, Anna Czajkowska-Kośnik, Katarzyna Sosnowska, Paweł Misiak, Agnieszka Zofia Wilczewska and Katarzyna Winnicka
Materials 2023, 16(1), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010403
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/403

“A Novel Chitosan Composite Biomaterial with Drug Eluting Capacity for Maxillary Bone Regeneration”
by Barbara Giordano-Kelhoffer, Raquel Rodríguez-Gonzalez, Marina Perpiñan-Blasco, Jenifer O. Buitrago, Begoña M. Bosch and Roman A. Perez
Materials 2023, 16(2), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020685
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/2/685

“Effects of Altering Magnesium Metal Surfaces on Degradation In Vitro and In Vivo during Peripheral Nerve Regeneration”
by Rigwed Tatu, Leon G. White, Yeoheung Yun, Tracy Hopkins, Xiaoxian An, Ahmed Ashraf, Kevin J. Little, Meir Hershcovitch, David B. Hom and Sarah Pixley
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1195; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031195
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1195

“Freeze Drying of Polymer Nanoparticles and Liposomes Exploiting Different Saccharide-Based Approaches”
by Ilaria Andreana, Valeria Bincoletto, Maela Manzoli, Francesca Rodà, Vita Giarraputo, Paola Milla, Silvia Arpicco and Barbara Stella
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031212
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1212

“Novel Artificial Scaffold for Bone Marrow Regeneration: Honeycomb Tricalcium Phosphate”
by Yasunori Inada, Kiyofumi Takabatake, Hidetsugu Tsujigiwa, Keisuke Nakano, Qiusheng Shan, Tianyan Piao, Anqi Chang, Hotaka Kawai and Hitoshi Nagatsuka
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041393
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1393

“Antimicrobial Properties of TiNbSn Alloys Anodized in a Sulfuric Acid Electrolyte”
by Yu Mori, Satoko Fujimori, Hiroaki Kurishima, Hiroyuki Inoue, Keiko Ishii, Maya Kubota, Kazuyoshi Kawakami, Naoko Mori, Toshimi Aizawa and Naoya Masahashi
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1487; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041487
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1487

“Porous Thermoplastic Molded Regenerated Silk Crosslinked by the Addition of Citric Acid”
by Alessio Bucciarelli, Nicola Vighi, Alessandra Maria Bossi, Brunella Grigolo and Devid Maniglio
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1535; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041535
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1535

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that have submitted their work to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Biomaterials and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

We are pleased to highlight the hot papers published in Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) last year. We invite you to read the selection of published papers listed below:

1. “Multifunctional Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: A Review”
by Hung-Vu Tran, Nhat M. Ngo, Riddhiman Medhi, Pannaree Srinoi, Tingting Liu, Supparesk Rittikulsittichai and T. Randall Lee
Materials 2022, 15(2), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15020503
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/2/503

2. “Synthesis and Applications of Graphene Oxide”
by Adéla Jiříčková, Ondřej Jankovský, Zdeněk Sofer and David Sedmidubský
Materials 2022, 15(3), 920; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15030920
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/3/920

 4. “Applications of Phyto-Nanotechnology for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders”
by Tanima Bhattacharya, Giselle Amanda Borges e Soares, Hitesh Chopra, Md. Mominur Rahman, Ziaul Hasan, Shasank S. Swain and Simona Cavalu
Materials 2022, 15(3), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15030804
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/3/804

 5. “A Comprehensive Review of Biodegradable Polymer-Based Films and Coatings and Their Food Packaging Applications”
by Vatsla Gupta, Deblina Biswas and Swarup Roy
Materials 2022, 15(17), 5899; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15175899
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/17/5899

 6. “Microstructure Evolution and Improved Permeability of Ceramic Waste-Based Bricks”
by Wenfei Zhou, Huiling Du, Le Kang, Xian Du, Yupu Shi, Xiaojing Qiang, Haodong Li and Jing Zhao
Materials 2022, 15(3), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15031130
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/3/1130

 7. “The Mechanical Resistance of Asphalt Mixture with Steel Slag to Deformation and Skid Degradation Based on Laboratory Accelerated Heavy Loading Test”
by Jiasheng Li, Jianying Yu, Shaopeng Wu and Jun Xie
Materials 2022, 15(3), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15030911
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/3/911

 8. “Synthesis, Characterization and Biomedical Application of Silver Nanoparticles”
by Ashwini Naganthran, Gayathiri Verasoundarapandian, Farah Eryssa Khalid, Mas Jaffri Masarudin, Azham Zulkharnain, Norazah Mohammad Nawawi, Murni Karim, Che Azurahanim Che Abdullah and Siti Aqlima Ahmad
Materials 2022, 15(2), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15020427
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/2/427

 9. “Review on Graphene-, Graphene Oxide-, Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Flexible Composites: From Fabrication to Applications”
by Aamir Razaq, Faiza Bibi, Xiaoxiao Zheng, Raffaello Papadakis, Syed Hassan Mujtaba Jafri and Hu Li
Materials 2022, 15(3), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15031012
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/3/1012

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the Section “Thin Films and Interfaces”. Thin film materials are widespread for technological applications, spanning from electronics through medicine. Thin film materials can exhibit a greater number of vastly different structural, chemical, electrical, optical, and mechanical properties compared to their corresponding bulk counterparts due to the choice of substrate or underlying material, the material deposition and fabrication process, and the resulting variations in crystal phase, disorder and defects within poly-/nano-crystalline and amorphous materials, strain, and composition. The very nature of thin films involves the formation of interfaces, including that with the substrate, underlying or overlying layers, and/or the ambient. These interfaces and interfacial regions may exhibit additional variations due to confinement, bonding configurations, chemical composition, exposure to ambient, physical mixing, and the morphology present.

We are pleased to present the 2022 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Thin Films and Interfaces” listed below:

“Tuning of the Titanium Oxide Surface to Control Magnetic Properties of Thin Iron Films”
by Juliusz Chojenka, Arkadiusz Zarzycki, Marcin Perzanowski, Michał Krupiński, Tamás Fodor, Kálmán Vad and Marta Marszałek
Materials 2023, 16(1), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010289
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/289

“Deposition of Sol–Gel ZnO:Mg Films and Investigation of Their Structural and Optical Properties”
by Tatyana Ivanova, Antoaneta Harizanova, Tatyana Koutzarova, Benedicte Vertruyen and Raphael Closset
Materials 2022, 15(24), 8883; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15248883
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/24/8883

“Hybrid Dispersion Model Characterization of PAZO Azopolymer Thin Films over the Entire Transmittance Spectrum Measured in the UV/VIS/NIR Spectral Region”
by Dorian Minkov, Lian Nedelchev, George Angelov, Emilio Marquez, Blaga Blagoeva, Georgi Mateev and Dimana Nazarova
Materials 2022, 15(23), 8617; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238617
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8617

“Effects of Cold Rolling Reduction on Microstructure, Thickness, Adhesive Force of Al-Si Coating and on Bending Toughness of Al-Si Coated Press-Hardened Steel”
by Xue Feng, Xianlei Hu and Xianghua Liu
Materials 2023, 16(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010004
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/4

“Polycrystalline PbTe:In Films on Amorphous Substrate: Structure and Physical Properties”
by Vadim Kovalyuk, Evgeniia Sheveleva, Mark Auslender, Gregory Goltsman, Roni Shneck and Zinovi Dashevsky
Materials 2022, 15(23), 8383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238383
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8383

“Effect of Substrate Temperature on the Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of DC Magnetron Sputtered VO₂ Thin Films”
by Chunzi Zhang, Ozan Gunes, Shi-Jie Wen, Qiaoqin Yang and Safa Kasap
Materials 2022, 15(21), 7849; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217849
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/21/7849

“Characterization of Porous CuO Films for H₂S Gas Sensors”
by Dawoon Jung, Sehoon Hwang, Hyun-Jong Kim, Jae-Hee Han and Ho-Nyun Lee
Materials 2022, 15(20), 7270; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207270
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/20/7270

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that submitted to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network.

Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
Papers may be submitted via the following link:
https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field. More information can be found at the following link:
https://www.mdpi.com/journalproposal/sendproposalspecialissue/materials.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Thin Films and Interfaces and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the Section “Manufacturing Processes and Systems”. We are pleased to present the 2022 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Manufacturing Processes and Systems” listed below:

“Processing and Properties of Tungsten-Steel Composites and FGMs Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering”
by Jiří Matějíček, Radek Mušálek, Zdeněk Dlabáček, Veronika Klevarová and Lenka Kocmanová
Materials 2022, 15(24), 9037; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15249037
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/24/9037

“The Influence of Co Addition on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Tungsten Heavy Alloys”
by Paweł Skoczylas and Mieczysław Kaczorowski
Materials 2022, 15(24), 9064; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15249064
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/24/9064

“Growth Kinetics, Microstructure Evolution, and Some Mechanical Properties of Boride Layers Produced on X165CrV12 Tool Steel”
by Natalia Makuch, Michał Kulka, Mourad Keddam and Adam Piasecki
Materials 2023, 16(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010026
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/26

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that submitted to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network.

Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
Papers may be submitted via the following link:
https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field. More information can be found at the following link:
https://www.mdpi.com/journalproposal/sendproposalspecialissue/materials.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Manufacturing Processes and Systems and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the Section “Advanced Composites”. Advanced composites are increasingly used in several industrial sectors such as transportation (airplanes, helicopters, trains, automobiles, motorbikes, and bicycles), civil construction, electrical and electronic equipment, pipes and tanks, marine, energy conversion, and consumer goods. They play a key role in the development of lightweight structures with outstanding mechanical properties, high reliability, and environmental resistance.

We are pleased to present the Editor’s Choice Articles from December 2022, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Advanced Composites”, as listed below:

“Nonlinear Analytical Procedure for Predicting Debonding of Laminate from Substrate Subjected to Monotonic or Cyclic Load”
by Marco Lamberti, Francesco Ascione, Annalisa Napoli, Ghani Razaqpur and Roberto Realfonzo
Materials 2022, 15(23), 8690; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238690
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8690

“Open Hole Tension of 3D Printed Aligned Discontinuous Composites”
by Narongkorn Krajangsawasdi, Ian Hamerton, Benjamin K. S. Woods, Dmitry S. Ivanov and Marco L. Longana
Materials 2022, 15(23), 8698; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238698
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8698

“Transparent Wood-Based Materials: Current State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives”
by Alberto Mariani and Giulio Malucelli
Materials 2022, 15(24), 9069; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15249069
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/24/9069

“Polymer Composites with Self-Regulating Temperature Behavior: Properties and Characterization”
by Radu Setnescu, Eduard-Marius Lungulescu and Virgil Emanuel Marinescu
Materials 2023, 16(1), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010157
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/157

“Effective Halogen-Free Flame-Retardant Additives for Crosslinked Rigid Polyisocyanurate Foams: Comparison of Chemical Structures”
by Johannes U. Lenz, Doris Pospiech, Hartmut Komber, Andreas Korwitz, Oliver Kobsch, Maxime Paven, Rolf W. Albach, Martin Günther and Bernhard Schartel
Materials 2023, 16(1), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010172
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/172

“Microstructural Characterization and Property of Carbon Fiber Reinforced High-Density Polyethylene Composites Fabricated by Fused Deposition Modeling”
by Partha Pratim Pandit, Chang Liu, Scott Iacono, Giancarlo Corti and Yingbin Huz
Materials 2023, 16(1), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010180
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/180

“In-Service Delaminations in FRP Structures under Operational Loading Conditions: Are Current Fracture Testing and Analysis on Coupons Sufficient for Capturing the Essential Effects for Reliable Predictions?”
by Andreas J. Brunner, René Alderliesten and John-Alan Pascoe
Materials 2023, 16(1), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010248
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/248

“Improvement of the Thermal Conductivity and Mechanical Properties of 3D-printed Polyurethane Composites by Incorporating Hydroxylated Boron Nitride Functional Fillers”
by Kai-Han Su, Cherng-Yuh Su, Wei-Ling Shih and Fang-Ting Lee
Materials 2023, 16(1), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010356
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/356

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the Section “Quantum Materials”. This Section publishes novel scientific and applied research that significantly contributes to the understanding and discovery of quantum materials and related phenomena, functions, and applications. Quantum materials are characterized by quantum many-body-systems in a typical form of strongly correlated electrons in solids that can engender novel and remarkable properties and functions, including Mott transition, high-temperature superconductivity, topological superconductivity, colossal magnetoresistance, giant magnetoelectric effect, and so forth.

We are pleased to present the 2022 Editor’s Choice Articles, which is a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Quantum Materials”.

“Pressure-Induced Superconductivity in Iron-Based Spin-Ladder Compound BaFe_2+δ(S_1−xSe_x)₃”
by Hiroki Takahashi, Ryosuke Kikuchi, Chizuru Kawashima, Satoshi Imaizumi, Takuya Aoyama and Kenya Ohgushi
Materials 2022, 15(4), 1401; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15041401
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/4/1401

“Magnetic Properties of A₂Ni₂TeO₆ (A = K, Li): Zigzag Order in the Honeycomb Layers of Ni²⁺ Ions Induced by First and Third Nearest-Neighbor Spin Exchanges”
by Tatyana Vasilchikova, Alexander Vasiliev, Maria Evstigneeva, Vladimir Nalbandyan, Ji-Sun Lee, Hyun-Joo Koo and Myung-Hwan Whangbo
Materials 2022, 15(7), 2563; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15072563
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/7/2563

“Pressure Tuning of Superconductivity of LaPt₄Ge₁₂ and PrPt₄Ge₁₂ Single Crystals”
by Gustavo A. Lombardi, Kamal Mydeen, Roman Gumeniuk, Andreas Leithe-Jasper, Walter Schnelle, Ricardo D. dos Reis and Michael Nicklas
Materials 2022, 15(8), 2743; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15082743
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/8/2743

“Unraveling the Phase Stability and Physical Property of Modulated Martensite in Ni₂Mn_1.5In_0.5 Alloys by First-Principles Calculations”
by Xin-Zeng Liang, Jing Bai, Zi-Qi Guan, Yu Zhang, Jiang-Long Gu, Yu-Dong Zhang, Claude Esling, Xiang Zhao and Liang Zuo
Materials 2022, 15(11), 4032; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15114032
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/11/4032

“Pressure-Induced Superconductivity of the Quasi-One-Dimensional Organic Conductor (TMTTF)₂TaF₆”
by Miho Itoi, Toshikazu Nakamura and Yoshiya Uwatoko
Materials 2022, 15(13), 4638; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15134638
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/13/4638

“Effect of Silver Doping on the Superconducting and Structural Properties of YBCO Films Grown by PLD on Different Templates”
by Ilya A. Shipulin, Aleena Anna Thomas, Sigrid Holleis, Michael Eisterer, Kornelius Nielsch and Ruben Hühne
Materials 2022, 15(15), 5354; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155354
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/15/5354

“Destabilization of the Charge Density Wave and the Absence of Superconductivity in ScV₆Sn₆ under High Pressures up to 11 GPa”
by Xiaoxiao Zhang, Jun Hou, Wei Xia, Zhian Xu, Pengtao Yang, Anqi Wang, Ziyi Liu, Jie Shen, Hua Zhang, Xiaoli Dong et al.
Materials 2022, 15(20), 7372; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207372
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/20/7372

“Bond-Orbital-Resolved Piezoelectricity in Sp²-Hybridized Monolayer Semiconductors”
by Zongtan Wang, Yulan Liu and Biao Wang
Materials 2022, 15(21), 7788; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217788
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/21/7788

“Critical Current Density in d-Wave Hubbard Superconductors”
by José Samuel Millán, Jorge Millán, Luis A. Pérez and Harold S. Ruiz
Materials 2022, 15(24), 8969; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15248969
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/24/8969

“Theoretical Study of Dynamical and Electronic Properties of Noncentrosymmetric Superconductor NbReSi”
by Surajit Basak and Andrzej Ptok.
Materials 2023, 16(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010078
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/78

We want to thank all the research groups that submitted to Materials. Please circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You can propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Quantum Materials and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the Section “Smart Materials”. This Section is a forum for the rapid publication of works pertaining to the preparation, characterization, and application of all smart materials. The scope of smart materials comprises, without being limited to, various applications in sensors and actuators, soft robotics, wearable electronics, flexible/stretchable electronics, energy generation and storage devices, displays, and shape memory polymers by utilizing the concept of smart materials.

We are pleased to present the 2022 Editor’s Choice Articles, which is a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Smart Materials”.

“Facile Fabrication of ZnO-ZnFe₂O₄ Hollow Nanostructure by a One-Needle Syringe Electrospinning Method for a High-Selective H₂S Gas Sensor”
by Kee-Ryung Park, Ryun Na Kim, Yoseb Song, Jinhyeong Kwon and Hyeunseok Choi
Materials 2022, 15(2) 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15020399
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/2/399

“Investigation into the Performance of NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Wire Reinforced Sn-Bi Self-Healing Metal Matrix Composite”
by Nathan Salowitz, Shobhit Misra, Istiaque Haider, Marco Povolo and Pradeep Rohatgi
Materials 2022, 15(9), 2970; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15092970
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/9/2970

“Hinged Adaptive Fiber-Rubber Composites Driven by Shape Memory Alloys—Development and Simulation”
by Felix Lohse, Achyuth Ram Annadata, Eric Häntzsche, Thomas Gereke, Wolfgang Trümper and Chokri Cherif
Materials 2022, 15(11), 3830; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15113830
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/11/3830

“Design and Control of Magnetic Shape Memory Alloy Actuators”
by Bartosz Minorowicz and Andrzej Milecki.
Materials 2022, 15(13), 4400; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15134400
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/13/4400

“Comparison between Piezoelectric and Piezoresistive Wearable Gait Monitoring Techniques”
by Zhiyuan Zhang, Zhenyu Xu, Wenbin Chen and Shuo Gao
Materials 2022, 15(14), 4837; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15144837
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/14/4837

“Designing for Shape Memory in Additive Manufacturing of Cu–Al–Ni Shape Memory Alloy Processed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion”
by Mikel Pérez-Cerrato, Itziar Fraile, José Fernando Gómez-Cortés, Ernesto Urionabarrenetxea, Isabel Ruiz-Larrea, Iban González, María Luisa Nó, Nerea Burgos and Jose M. San Juan
Materials 2022, 15(18), 6284; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15186284
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/18/6284

“Halochromic Inks Applied on Cardboard for Food Spoilage Monitorization”
by Liliana Leite, Inês Boticas, Navarro, Luís Nobre, João Bessa, Fernando Cunha, Pedro Neves and Raúl Fangueiro
Materials 2022, 15(18), 6431; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15186431
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/18/6431

“Smart Humidly Adaptive Yarns and Textiles from Twisted and Coiled Viscose Fiber Artificial Muscles”
by Mingrui Guo, Yangyang Peng, Zihan Chen, Nan Sheng and Fengxin Sun
Materials 2022, 15(23), 8312; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238312
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8312

We want to thank all the research groups that submitted manuscripts to Materials. Please circulate this document among your colleagues and networks. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You can propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Smart Materials and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

As a leading open access publisher, MDPI provides scholars with a high-quality and rich academic exchange platform by continuously expanding into new and exciting research areas.

In December 2022, MDPI launched five new journals, covering multiple subjects such as life sciences, biology, medicine and pharmacology, social sciences and humanities. These new journals are being edited by established scholars across the world.

If you are interested in creating more open access journals with us to publish cutting-edge research, please send your journal proposal application to newjournal-committee@mdpi.com.

MDPI is pleased to announce that we now display the co-authors’ email addresses in addition to the corresponding author’s email address on the webpage of published papers, protected by Captcha. For more information about this change, please visit the journal’s instructions for authors page. 

We believe this change will facilitate academic discussions and advance our cause of open science and research. The corresponding authors are responsible for communicating with their co-authors and indicating in our system (https://susy.mdpi.com/) if co-authors would prefer for their email addresses not to be displayed.

On 9 February 2023, Clarivate, a global leader in providing trusted insights and analytics, added the Preprint Citation Index to the Web of Science platform, streamlining the research process by allowing researchers to locate and link to preprints alongside other trusted content in the database.

The Preprint Citation Index will act as a bridge to connect cutting-edge preprints with peer-reviewed journal articles published within the Web of Science Core Collection. Alerts can be easily set to monitor new research across several repositories and authors will also be able to include preprints on their Web of Science Research Profile to more accurately display their various research outputs.

As of its launch, the Preprint Citation Index will provide nearly two million preprints from various repositories, including MDPI’s own Preprints.org.

MDPI's Preprints Platform – Preprints.org

To advance Open Science and the fast dissemination of research, MDPI offers researchers a free multidisciplinary preprint platform. Preprints.org accepts submissions from all research areas and offers authors high visibility, permanent archiving, article-level Metrics and immediately citable content by assigning a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to all preprints.

During submission to any MDPI journal, authors have the option to share their research as a preprint. After an initial screening, the manuscript is available online in 48 hours or less. Once online, preprints can be downloaded, shared, commented on, and cited, providing authors maximum visibility.

We invite you to join the ranks of the over 100k researchers using Preprints.org and share your research.

For more information, please visit Preprints.org.

We are currently recruiting Topical Advisory Panel Members for Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944). Should you decide to serve on the Topical Advisory Panel, you would be responsible for some of the following tasks, depending on your availability:

• Providing regular reviews of manuscripts;
• Setting up at least one Special Issue (SI) in partnership with a senior researcher within two years of your appointment and proposing a detailed strategy plan for the SI. The topic of the proposal should be within the scope of Materials, but broad enough to attract a reasonable number of submissions, while also narrow enough to provide a cohesive collection of articles. The Special Issue should cover a small part of the scope of Materials;
• Providing a detailed strategy plan for the SI, including assisting in preparing Special Issue/Topic titles, aims and scopes, summaries, and keywords, soliciting papers and promoting the SI;
• Providing support for the Special Issues/Topics related to your expertise when the Guest Editors are not available. This includes SI promotion via social media and advice on some scientific cases;
• Promoting our journal at conferences (adding 1–2 slides into your presentation, distributing flyers, recommending the journal to your colleagues, etc.), on social media and other relevant platforms;
• Working with Editorial Board Members or the Editorial Office to promote high-quality/featured papers (for example, writing summaries or highlights for editor-selected papers).

To qualify as a Topical Advisory Panel Member, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

• Have expertise and experience in the field related to Materials;
• Have completed their Ph.D. in the last 10 years (approximately);
• Have published at least 6 papers in the last 5 years as a first author or corresponding author;
• Currently hold an independent research position in academia or government institute.

Each year, the journal members’ performance is evaluated, and outstanding members are promoted to the Editorial Board by the Editor-in-Chief.

You can submit your application via the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/topical_advisory_panel_application. Alternatively, you may send an email to the Editorial Office (materials@mdpi.com) with your academic CV attached.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

The year 2023 marks the 15th anniversary of Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944), a peer-reviewed open access journal of materials science and engineering published semimonthly online by MDPI. To date, Materials has published more than 33,000 papers from more than 120,000 scholars. More than 45,000 reviewers and academic editors contribute to our peer review process. We sincerely appreciate the contributions and support of every author, reviewer, and academic editor. To celebrate the achievements and mark this significant milestone, we have arranged a series of special events. We hope you can join us in celebrating the 15th anniversary of our journal and enjoy the collection below.

Anniversary Video from the Editors of Materials

Development and Achievements

View the 15-year timeline infographic below. Trace the development of Materials from its origins and through key events.

Anniversary Special Issues

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of our journal Materials, we launched a series of anniversary Special Issues. For more details, please click here.

Collection of Excellent Works

Please click the covers above for details. For more collections of excellent works, please click here.

Issue Covers

Please click the covers above for details. For more issue covers, please click here.

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) received its first Impact Factor of 3.748 in 2022 and is now published semi-monthly. Since it was first established, Materials has aimed to provide a professional publishing service to the scientific community and has strived towards the effective dissemination of high-quality scientific work.

Materials is a peer-reviewed, open access journal of materials science and engineering published semi-monthly online by MDPI. The Portuguese Materials Society (SPM), Spanish Materials Society (SOCIEMAT) and Manufacturing Engineering Society (MES) are affiliated with Materials and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.

In order to support the scientific community and contribute to the faster distribution of important scientific research, Materials has cooperated with various academic conferences and is now seeking cooperation with additional academic conferences. The journal is open to a diverse range of collaborations, such as media partnerships, awards, exhibitions, and publications.

The scope of Materials includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Publishing research related to all classes of materials, including ceramics, glasses, polymers (plastics), composites, semiconductors, magnetic materials, biological and biomimetics materials, silica, dots, and carbon materials, metals, and alloys from nanoscale to bulk alloys. All kinds of functional materials used for the development of medical implants in medicine and dentistry, coatings and films, pigments, ionic crystals, covalent crystals, metals, and intermetallics are also considered;
• Covering all aspects of materials science or materials engineering, including nanoscience and nanotechnology;
• Contributing to the advancement of material characterization techniques, such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, calorimetry, nuclear microscopy and spectroscopy, laser technology, optical fibers, Rutherford backscattering, and neutron diffraction, among others;
• Inciting fundamental research in condensed matter physics and materials physics, continuum mechanics and statistics, mechanics of materials, tribology (friction, lubrication and wear), solid-state physics, etc.

We welcome consultations with any conferences related to materials. If you are interested in collaborating with Materials, please contact us at materials@mdpi.com.

We are currently recruiting Editorial Board Members (EBMs) for Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944). If you are interested in serving on the Editorial Board, or have potential candidates to recommend, please do not hesitate to contact the Editorial Office (materials@mdpi.com).

The Editorial Board Members will be responsible for final decisions on manuscripts in their field of expertise, editing Special Issues, and they may be invited to review manuscripts.

The initial term is for 2 years, which entails the following responsibilities:

• Pre-screening and making decisions on new submissions related to your research interests;
• Setting up at least one Special Issue during your term on a topic related to your research interests (or supervising Special Issues related to your research field);
• Providing input or feedback regarding journal policies;
• Helping to promote the journal among your peers or at conferences;
• Attending board meetings to suggest journal development strategies;
• Reviewing manuscripts.

As an Editorial Board Member, you would have the following benefits:

• Publishing one paper free of charge in Materials per year, and also publishing extra papers with special discounts;
• Publishing one paper free of charge in your own Special Issue per year;
• A travel grant opportunity will be offered to Editorial Board Members that make significant contributions to the journal;
• Recommending/inviting your colleagues to submit full research articles or review papers with special discounts.

Materials is an open access journal that publishes spotlights, reviews, original research contributions, and short communications. The scientific community is encouraged to submit the details of both their experimental and theoretical results of any length to Materials. The aims and scope of the journal can be found on the following website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/about. Materials is abstracted and indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, Ei Compendex, CaPlus/SciFinder, Inspec, Astrophysics Data System, and other databases. The impact factor of the journal is 3.748.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Conference: The Fourth International Conference on Energy Storage Materials
Date: 13–16 April 2023

MDPI will be attending the Fourth International Conference on Energy Storage Materials as the exhibitor. With the theme of advanced energy storage materials and energy storage devices, this seminar invites well-known scholars and industry professionals from around the world to discuss the latest research progress and industrial development status and trends in advanced energy storage materials and devices from academic and industrial perspectives in order to promote the application process of energy storage materials and energy storage devices. The conference is held annually.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Batteries;
• Energies;

• Coatings;

• Sustainability;
• Materials;
• Electronics;
• Nanomaterials;
• Inorganics;
• Crystals;
• AppliedChem;
• Membranes;
• Electrochem;
• Applied Sciences;
• Metals;
• Molecules.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us at our booth: #9. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit http://www.icensm.ac.cn/eindex.html.

MDPI will be attending the XII Reunión del grupo de física de la materia condensada de la RSEF (GEFES 2023) in Salamanca, Spain, which will take place from 1 to 3 February 2023. The GEFES 2023 is the annual meeting of GEFES, the Condensed Matter Physics Division of the Spanish Royal Physics Society. The theme of GEFES 2023 is to review the condensed matter physics research achievements of the society in the past year and discuss the opportunities and challenges in the field.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Electronics;
• Nanomaterials;
• Energies;
• Materials;
• Symmetry;
• Electronic Materials;
• Physics;
• Condensed Matter.

If you are attending this conference, please visit our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://gefes2023.es/.

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Javier Gil has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Section "Biomaterials" in Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944).

This Section of Materials covers the broad field of biomaterials, understood as materials for applications in contact with the human body in the biomedical field, including materials in medicine, medical devices, biosensors, implants, scaffolds for tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and antibacterial and dental materials.

Prof. Dr. Javier Gil’s self-introduction:

Throughout my professional life, I have never stopped researching. My research has led to very significant contributions in the development of new biomaterials for hard tissues substitution, dental implants, superelastic and shape memory alloys applied in biomedical applications, bioactive and osseoinductive materials, bacteriostatic and bactericide surfaces, biofunctionalized strategies, and the study of the mechanisms that control the interactions between biomaterials and cells or tissues. This has been possible thanks to having a team with a marked interdisciplinary character.

I have participated in numerous projects funded by national and international entities with very active international involvement, especially through European projects such as Reborne (2010‒2015) and Innovabone (2011‒2015), both in the field of biomaterials for bone regeneration. I have authored 370 research publications indexed in the Web of Science (h-index 57) and more than 11.150 citations (Google Academic) and have contributed to more than 275 international congresses. I have edited 10 books and authored 47 book chapters. At several foreign universities, I have been a visiting lecturer, such as the University of Southampton (UK), University of Michigan (US), University of Minnesota (US), UTSA-Health Campus (University of Texas, San Antonio, US), Universidade do Coimbra and Porto (P), and Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México (UNAM), and I have delivered more than 70 invited lectures at international conferences. Mentoring young researchers has been a central part of my activities, with the supervision of 36 Ph.D. theses (36 presented and 6 more ongoing) and 12 Postdoctoral fellows, as well as 62 master theses and final engineering projects. I have been actively involved in translating research into clinical practice and the industrial sector, being the author of 6 patents licensed to companies and in operation. The Klockner ContacTi dental implant, which is used internationally and one of the best-selling dental implants in Spain, is the result of a patent. In 2013, I participated as a founding partner in the creation of the Spin-Off Company Mimetis Biomaterials, (https://www.mimetis.com/en/). In 2021, the company employed 15 employees.

I was President of the Iberian Society of Biomechanics and Biomaterials and, in 2014, I organized, as vice-president, the International Congress of Ceramics in Medicine, Bioceramics 26, in Barcelona and the 17th European Conference on Biomaterials. Additionally, I participated in the European Society for Biomaterials in Barcelona 2002 as the vice-president.

In 2020, I received the Prize for the Best Scientific Career in the Field of Materials Science and Technology (Materials Science Society). Since 2018, I have been the International Research Advisor to the MDRCBB-Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. I received the Award of Honour Sociedad Española de Implantes in 2021. I am a numerary member of the Royal European Academy of Doctors and Royal Academy of Dentistry, which I became in 2013, and became, on 14 March 2018, Doctor Honoris Causa for the Universidad de La Habana (Cuba), which was actually proposed by the Universidad de Sevilla.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Javier Gil, who shared his vision for the Section with us as well as his views on the research area and Open Access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to become its Section Editor-in-Chief?

Over the last few years, I have been able to publish several contributions of my research in biomaterials in Materials and I have been an editor of several Special Issues. The scientific rigor, the good work of the reviewers, and the agility of the journal have been reasons for Materials to be a publication channel for our research group. I am proud and very excited to contribute to the growth of the journal.

2. What is your vision for the Section?

The number of research projects in biomaterials is steadily increasing and publication in this field is growing exponentially. Materials for health are key for people who are living longer and longer. Biomaterials aim to improve the quality of life and health of all human beings. In my opinion, this Section is one of the most important in Materials.

3. What does the future of this field of research look like?

New biomaterials, biofunctionalization of implantable materials with specific missions, new methods of shaping biomaterials such as 3D printing and laser, advances in materials for regenerative medicine, bioactive materials, and bio-instructive materials are aspects of the future. It should be noted that biomaterials are an interdisciplinary area of science where biologists, engineers, chemists, microbiologists, etc., all collaborate with a common goal. This collaboration is occurring and the number of areas of knowledge involved in the advancement of materials for health is growing every day.

4. What do you think of the development of Open Access in the publishing field?

In my opinion, Open Access is the present and the future of scientific publishing. The advancement of science is progressive and based on knowledge generated worldwide. The openness of science and the ease of reading internationally is critical for progress in any discipline.

5. What aspects do you focus on when reviewing a manuscript?

Firstly, scientific rigor, the reproducibility of the tests, and the use of appropriate methodologies to obtain the results of the work. Also, the importance of the topic, the originality of the study and the appropriate references so that readers can broaden their knowledge.

6. Do you have any suggestions for young researchers in this field?

My advice to young people is always to be passionate about their research, to work hard, to be patient in achieving results, and to collaborate with other research groups loyally. The fruits will come, and they will have prestigious publications that will advance the frontier of knowledge. The “Biomaterials” Section of Materials will be there to publish their excellent work. We want to continue to be a prestigious instrument for the expansion of science.

We wish Prof. Dr. Javier Gil every success in his new position, and we look forward to his contributions to the journal.

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the Section “Optics and Photonics”. Optics and photonics are all methodologies and technologies that use photons over the entire spectrum from X-ray to ultraviolet, visible, and infrared, to the terahertz range, and their interaction with a variety of materials. This is an evolving interdisciplinary field of research covering all the optical technologies used in life sciences and medicine. Special, new, and biocompatible materials for implants, tissue phantoms, cell printing, cell labeling, light delivery, etc., require research from scientists from various professions, such as physicists, chemists, engineers, biologists, and doctors.

We are pleased to present the 2022 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Optics and Photonics” listed below:

• “Bright UV-C Phosphors with Excellent Thermal Stability—Y_1−xSc_xPO₄ Solid Solutions”
  by Dmitry Spassky, Andrey Vasil’ev, Vitali Nagirnyi, Irina Kudryavtseva, Dina Deyneko, Ivan Nikiforov, Ildar Kondratyev and Boris Zadneprovski
  Materials 2022, 15(19), 6844; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15196844
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/19/6844

• “Experimental and Computational Studies on Bio-Inspired Flavylium Salts as Sensitizers for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells”
  by Iulia Păușescu, Anamaria Todea, Diana-Maria Dreavă, Tania Boboescu, Bianca Pațcan, Larisa Pațcan, Daiana Albulescu, Valentin Badea, Francisc Peter, Róbert Tőtős et al.
  Materials 2022, 15(19), 6985; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15196985
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/19/6985

• “Sol-Gel Derived Silica-Titania Waveguide Films for Applications in Evanescent Wave Sensors—Comprehensive Study”
  by Paweł Karasiński, Magdalena Zięba, Ewa Gondek, Jacek Nizioł, Sandeep Gorantla, Krzysztof Rola, Alicja Bachmatiuk and Cuma Tyszkiewicz
  Materials 2022, 15(21), 7641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217641
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/21/7641

• “Tb³⁺ Ion Optical and Magneto-Optical Properties in the Cubic Crystals KTb₃F₁₀”
  by Uygun V. Valiev, Denis N. Karimov, Chong-Geng Ma, Odiljon Z. Sultonov and Vasiliy O. Pelenovich
  Materials 2022, 15(22), 7999; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15227999
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/22/7999 

• “Analysis of Acousto-Optic Figure of Merit in KGW and KYW Crystals”
  by Konstantin B. Yushkov, Natalya F. Naumenko and Vladimir Ya. Molchanov
  Materials 2022, 15(22), 8183; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15228183
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/22/8183 

• “Effect of an Anaerobic Fermentation Process on 3D-Printed PLA Materials of a Biogas-Generating Reactor”
  by Adrian Cioabla, Virgil-Florin Duma, Corina Mnerie, Ralph-Alexandru Erdelyi, George Mihai Dobre, Adrian Bradu and Adrian Podoleanu
  Materials 2022, 15(23), 8571; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238571
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8571

• “Bidirectional Terahertz Vortex Beam Regulator”
  by Jiusheng Li, Fenglei Guo, Shuping Zhang and Chao Liu
  Materials 2022, 15(23), 8639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238639
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8639

• “Acousto–Optic Modulation and Deflection of Terahertz Radiation”
  by Pavel Alekseevich Nikitin, Vasily Valerievich Gerasimov and Ildus Shevketovich Khasanov
  Materials 2022, 15(24), 8836; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15248836
  Available online: www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/24/8836

• “Remarkable Reduction in IG with an Explicit Investigation of the Leakage Conduction Mechanisms in a Dual Surface-Modified Al₂O₃/SiO₂ Stack Layer AlGaN/GaN MOS-HEMT”
  by Soumen Mazumder, Parthasarathi Pal, Kuan-Wei Lee and Yeong-Her Wang
  Materials 2022, 15(24), 9067; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15249067
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/24/9067

• “Deformable Photonic Crystals Based on Chiral Liquid Crystals with Thermal-Mediative Shape Memory Effect”
  by Min-Seok Park, Kitae Kim, Young-Joo Lee, Jun-Hee Na and Se-Um Kim
  Materials 2023, 16(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010035
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/35

• “Nd³⁺, Yb³⁺:YF₃ Optical Temperature Nanosensors Operating in the Biological Windows”
  by Maksim Pudovkin, Ekaterina Oleynikova, Airat Kiiamov, Mikhail Cherosov and Marat Gafurov
  Materials 2023, 16(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010039 
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/39

• “Synthesis, Structural and Magnetic Properties of Cobalt-Doped GaN Nanowires on Si by Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition”
  by Zhe Chuan Feng, Yu-Lun Liu, Jeffrey Yiin, Li-Chyong Chen, Kuei-Hsien Chen, Benjamin Klein and Ian T. Ferguson
  Materials 2023, 16(1), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010097
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/97

• “UV-A,B,C Emitting Persistent Luminescent Materials”
  by Suchinder K. Sharma, Jinu James, Shailendra Kumar Gupta and Shamima Hussain
  Materials 2023, 16(1), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010236
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/236

• “A Gaussian to Vector Vortex Beam Generator with a Programmable State of Polarization”
  by Jacek Piłka, Michał Kwaśny, Adam Filipkowski, Ryszard Buczyński, Mirosław A. Karpierz and Urszula A. Laudyn
  Materials 2022, 15(21), 7794; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217794
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/21/7794

• “Time-Resolved Four-Channel Jones Matrix Measurement of Birefringent Materials Using an Ultrafast Laser”
  by Zhenjia Cheng, Yuqin Zhang, Xuan Liu, Chengshan Guo, Changwei He, Guiyuan Liu and Hongsheng Song
  Materials 2022, 15(21), 7813; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217813
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/21/7813

• “Basic Characteristics of Dose Distributions of Photons Beam for Radiotherapeutic Applications Using YAG: Ce Crystal Detectors”
  by Janusz Winiecki, Sandra Witkiewicz-Lukaszek, Paulina Michalska, Seweryn Jakubowski, Sergiy Nizhankovskiy and Yuriy Zorenko
  Materials 2022, 15(21), 7861; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217861
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/21/7861

• “Polarization of Acoustic Waves in Two-Dimensional Phononic Crystals Based on Fused Silica”
  by Mikhail V. Marunin and Nataliya V. Polikarpova
  Materials 2022, 15(23), 8315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238315
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8315

• “Deep Tissue Characterization with Optical Coherence Elastography: A Comparison of Different Methods”
  by Asha Parmar, Gargi Sharma, Andreas Ramming and Kanwarpal Singh
  Materials 2022, 15(23), 8558; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238558
  Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8558

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the research groups that submitted to Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944). We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:

This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:

You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field.

Joining the Editorial Board:

If you are an active researcher in the field of optics and photonics and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Ingo Dierking has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Section "Soft Matter" in Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944).

Dr. Ingo Dierking received his Ph.D. in 1995 from the University of Clausthal in Germany. After employment at the IBM TJ Watson Research Center in the US, working on electronic paper, he joined Chalmers University in Gothenburg, Sweden, as a Humboldt fellow. There, he was appointed docent, before joining the University of Darmstadt in Germany as a lecturer for several years and eventually moving to the University of Manchester in 2002, where he is a Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor at the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Dr. Ingo Dierking has published more than 150 scientific papers, as well as several books on the topic of liquid crystal research. He is the 2009 awardee of the Hilsum medal of the British Liquid Crystal Society (BLCS), the 2016 winner of the Samsung Mid-Career Award for Research Excellence of the International Liquid Crystal Society (ILCS) and the 2021 awardee of the Gray medal. Ingo Dierking is the editor of Liquid Crystals Today, the current President of the ILCS and a former Chair of the BLCS. His current research interests are broadly focused on soft-matter systems, with an emphasis on liquid crystals, and LC-based composites with polymers and nanoparticles.

The following is a Q&A with Dr. Ingo Dierking, who shared his vision for the Section, in addition to his views on the research area and Open Access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take the role as its Section Editor-in-Chief?

The journal has a relatively wide scope and is appealing to a broad audience. It offers the possibility to obtain an overview of research topics one would not necessarily look for, for example, a soft matter physicist is exposed to nanomaterial research in the same issue of the journal and might run across an interesting title when looking through the table of contents. Similarly, as a Section editor with a background in liquid crystals, one is exposed to publications from the fields of polymers, colloids, or biological materials, which might enhance one’s own research.

2. What does the future of this field of research look like?

This is of course a question which is very different for each individual, so I would like to talk about this with my specific view and expertise on liquid crystals. The current research in liquid crystals as being applied in screens is slowly decreasing because there has already been so much research in this area that significant improvements from the side of materials are not needed anymore commercially. The future could lie in 3D screens or holography for screen-related technologies, and also in augmented reality applications. The applications in other areas are now being explored, such as drug delivery, biosensors, gas sensors and adaptive (micro)optics. From a fundamental point of view, different areas of soft matter could increasingly overlap, leading to a broader understanding of the field and the potential for further and largely different applications, especially through the exploitation of self-assembly and self-organization.

3. You have run several successful Special Issues, what did you find important to their success?

The activity and engagement of the Guest Editor are essential. I tend to send personalized emails to the authors I want to invite and to see participate in a special issue. Mass emailing does not attract me personally to submit, so that is what I try to avoid. On the other hand, receiving personalized emails from the GE makes me more likely to consider contributing, so this is what I do when I am a GE. Furthermore, a good and interesting choice of topic, which sets itself apart from those of other issues and journals, might also help.

4. What factors are important to you when selecting a journal to submit to?

In my opinion, the impact factor has become an overrated metric to judge the quality of research. Of course, as a researcher, one should have an interest in publishing quality research. For this, it is essential that a journal has a good review process in place. And of course, the impact factor in many cases allows us to distinguish quality research, but this has to be taken with a pinch of salt, as impact, for example, also depends on the size of the research field, etc. Personally, I believe that the primary question for an author should be: Who is my target audience for a particular research paper? Is it the science community, the soft matter community or the liquid crystal community? Who would I really want to read this paper? – of course, also with an eye on the impact.

5. What do you think of the development of Open Access in the publishing field?

There are certain risks with the concept of Open Access publishing, like predatory journals publishing every submission simply for the sake of maximizing profits. As such, a robust review process might be easier to implement for other publishers, although, of course, most of these, in the end, also publish for profit. The positive side is, of course, that OA publishing reaches a potentially much larger audience, also colleagues who might otherwise not have access to the literature. And of course, there are the funding agencies who often demand Open Access publishing. I believe that OA is a good concept for research publishing, as long as thorough peer review is ensured, costs are controllable, and it is ensured that excellent research is published independent of the financial situation of the authors. Lack of funds should not be a reason for the rejection of good research.

We wish Dr. Ingo Dierking every success in his new position, and we look forward to his contributions to the journal.

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative—the MDPI Special Issue Mentor Program.

This program will enable early career researchers (who must hold a Ph.D. in a related field) to experience editing a Special Issue in MDPI journals, under the mentorship of our experienced Editorial Board Members or other experienced scientists. The mentor program will provide an excellent opportunity for early career scientists to gain editorial experience, and to cultivate their ability to edit scientific research.

The mentee’s responsibilities include:

• Proposing a Special Issue title and assisting the mentor in preparing a summary (around 200–400 words) and 3–10 keywords describing the background, importance, and goal of the Issue;
• Writing a brief promotion plan for the Special Issue;
• Preparing a list of scholars who may be interested in the Issue and personally e-mailing invitations on behalf of Guest Editors;
• Writing an editorial for the online Special Issue together with the mentor.

The mentor’s responsibilities include:

• Conducting a final check before the Special Issue is published online;
• Performing editorial control of the Special Issue and quality control of the publications, both of which must be carried out in a timely manner;
• Providing suggestions to younger scholars if they have any doubts or concerns regarding submissions;
• Organizing video calls with young scholars and the Editorial Office regularly to discuss problems and improvement suggestions for the Special Issue;
• Making and submitting decisions regarding submissions with the assistance of mentees.

Certificates and awards:
After the Special Issue closes, the Editorial Office will provide official certificates for all the mentors and early career researchers.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your Special Issue proposal to the Editorial Office of a journal you choose, and we will discuss the process (i.e., mentor collaboration, Special Issue topic feasibility analysis, etc.) in further detail. The full list of MDPI journals is as follows: https://www.mdpi.com/about/journals.

In addition to the new Special Issue Mentor Program, we will continue to welcome all Special Issue proposals focusing on hot research topics.

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has organized and sponsored the Best Oral Presentation and Best Poster Award for the 4th International Conference on Materials: Advanced and Emerging Materials (ICM 2022). The applications were processed by the Conference Committee. We are pleased to announce the Best Oral Presentation Award winner, Ms. Katherine Pérez, and Best Poster Award winner, Ms. Noor Abu Jarad.

ICM 2022 was chaired by the Materials Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Maryam Tabrizian (McGill University, Montreal, Canada) and Associate Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Filippo Berto (Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway). The conference topics included: Materials Characterization, Nanotechnology in Material Sciences and Engineering, Materials Processing and Manufacturing, Soft and Bio-materials, Fibers and Membranes, and Optical, Electrical and Magnetic Materials. More details about the conference can be found on the following website: https://icm2022.sciforum.net/.

The following is an interview with Ms. Katherine Pérez:

We would like to congratulate Ms. Katherine Pérez and Ms. Noor Abu Jarad again for their accomplishments! If you are also interested in Materials’ awards, please refer to https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/awards to apply or nominate someone else for an award.

MDPI has just become the first open access (OA) publisher to reach the milestone of one million articles published. That is one million articles freely available to all, to circulate and build upon! We are proud to share this special moment with the global scientific community.

This landmark has been reached thanks to the immeasurable support of more than 600,000 expert reviewers, 66,000 editorial board members and 6700 hard-working colleagues across MDPI’s global offices.

Within more than 25 years of publishing, our journals received 2.1 million manuscripts and generated 4.6 million peer review reports to get to one million papers published.

Reaching the milestone of one million articles published reinforces our mission to remove any existing barriers and to make scientific research accessible to all. Since its inception, MDPI’s goal has been to create reliable processes to make science open. This is a path towards facilitating the dissemination of novel insights in scientific communities.

Regular feedback from authors and reviewers shows that our service is greatly appreciated and needed. At the same time, the feedback helps us identify areas for further improvement.

As it stands, a significant share of published research findings remain closed access. More than half of the content published with the most well-known legacy publishers stays behind a paywall, and that is not including articles published in hybrid OA journals, or made available months or years after publication.

A new policy announced by the US administration in August 2022 requires that, as of January 2026, all US federally funded research be made freely and immediately available after publication. While the new policy does not mandate articles be published under an open access license, it is aligned with the open access movement in removing all barriers to research. Similarly, some of the most advanced research institutions in the world intend to have all funded research articles published in open access by 2025.

MDPI is proud to be the leading agent of the transition to open access.

"Thanks a Million" to all the contributors!

We are now recruiting the Editor-in-Chief for the Section “Green Materials” of Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944), which was launched this year. If you are an active researcher in one of the green materials fields and are passionate about publishing cutting-edge research, please do not hesitate to contact us at: materials@mdpi.com.

Section Information

Research in green materials covers, among other polymers, composites, polymeric materials, and non-conventional materials which can reduce the use of hazardous substances in the preparation, manufacturing process, and applications of green products. To enhance the impact of green materials in the context of material science, the Section includes but is not limited to contributions on:

• Renewable materials;
• Sustainable biomaterials;
• Advanced polymer nanocomposites;
• Inorganic functional nanomaterials;
• Environmentally friendly polymeric materials;
• Novel flame-retardant polymers;
• Green chemical materials.

You can find more information about the Section on our homepage: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/sections/green_materials.

The Section Editor-in-Chief has the following responsibilities:

• Promoting Materials and the Section “Green Materials” and increasing their visibility at related academic conferences;
• Making scientific decisions about the journal’s scope;
• Inviting distinguished scientists to join the Editorial Board;
• Suggesting topics for Special Issues and assisting the Guest Editors in the setup of Special Issues;
• Providing support and guidance to Editorial Board Members and editorial staff where required;
• Overviewing the editorial process for individual manuscripts (mainly by making the final decision on whether a paper can be published after peer review and revisions);
• Understanding, leading, and upholding MDPI’s peer review guidelines and ethics guidelines.

We believe that by combining our rigorous editorial policies with your expertise, we can build a high-quality journal. We thank you in advance for your interest and look forward to collaborating with you.

Materials Editorial Office

We are pleased to announce that 15 new scholars were appointed Editorial Board Members (EBMs) of the journal Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) in November 2022.

Further details about the Editorial Board can be found at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/editors.

We wish our new members every success in both their research and in the development of the journal.

Additionally, Materials is recruiting prestigious scholars from around the world to join our Editorial Board. To apply for this position, recommend potential candidates, or request further information, please contact the Materials Editorial Office (materials@mdpi.com) with the following two files attached:

• A full academic CV;
• A short cover letter that details your interest in and enthusiasm for the position.

Materials Editorial Office

We are pleased to announce that the website of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation has been revamped! For the past couple of months, our UX UI team and front-end developers have been working hard to launch the website in time for the opening of the Sustainability Awards nominations.

The website is not the only thing that has had a remodeling. Indeed, the format of the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA) has been updated. ESLA is now a competition open to individual researchers or start-ups founded by researchers under the age of 35. Nominee applications will go through 2 rounds of selection until the final 3 are decided. The finalists will then be invited to give pitch presentations during the Award Ceremony to win either first place (10,000 USD) or runner-up (2 x 5000 USD).

The World Sustainability Award, on the other hand, remains the same: a total prize money of 100,000 USD is up for grabs by senior individual researchers or groups of researchers from the international research community.

Nominations for both the World Sustainability Award and the Emerging Sustainability Leader award are now open! Check out our new website for more information on how to nominate.

Recently, Clarivate^TM revealed its 2022 list of Highly Cited Researchers^TM—individuals at universities, research institutes and commercial organizations.

The scientists who were selected for this year’s list of Highly Cited Researchers have published highly cited papers in the 11-year period from January 2011 to December 2021, with citation frequency in the top 1% of academic subjects and the same year of publication in the Web of Science^TM database. Based on Web of Science Citation data, 6938 researchers from across the globe who have demonstrated a disproportionate level of significant and broad influence in their chosen field or fields over the last decade have been awarded Highly Cited Researcher 2022 designations. The list is truly global, spanning 69 countries or regions and spread across a diverse range of research sciences and social sciences.

According to the statistics, 28 members of the Editorial Board of Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) have been selected for the list of Highly Cited Researchers of Clarivate in 2022. They are being recognized for their high-quality scientific research achievements and outstanding contributions to professional fields. The Materials journal office would like to sincerely congratulate all elected Editorial Board Members and hopes that they continue to have an academically productive relationship with the journal.

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Federico Bella has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Section "Energy Materials" in Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944).

Prof. Dr. Federico Bella (Torino, 1987) is a full professor of chemistry at Politecnico di Torino. In the Electrochemistry Group, he leads the research activities on post-Li batteries, electrochemical nitrogen reduction and hybrid photovoltaics.

Due to his important achievements in energy chemistry, Prof. Dr. Federico Bella received both the “ENI Award” and the “Roberto Piontelli Award” from the President of the Italian Republic. In 2021, he was the recipient of the USERN Prize, awarded among 10000 candidates by a jury of previous Nobel awardees.

Prof. Dr. Federico Bella is an author of more than 100 international publications (h-index 65) and leads the ERC project SuN2rise, a €1.5 M EU grant to redesign the process of NH₃ production. He has coordinated the Early-Career Division of the Italian Chemical Society and is a member of the Editorial Board of cutting-edge journals in the field of chemistry, e.g., ChemSusChem and ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Federico Bella, who shared his vision for the Section, in addition to his views on the research area:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take the role as its Section Editor-in-Chief?
In recent years I have worked a lot for Materials in order to propose new Special Issues on emerging thematic areas and contribute to the manuscripts review process. Now, I am happy to have this opportunity to devote myself to the development of one of the most strategic Sections of this journal, i.e., “Energy Materials”.
 
2. What is your vision for the Section?
We are experiencing an energy transition that must necessarily be accompanied by an ecological transition. All of these challenges are achievable if new materials are developed and are capable of providing performance, sustainability and low costs at the same time: to this end, this Section of the Materials journal will be invaluable in collecting the best possible contributions in this field.
 
3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
Batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalytic reactors and photovoltaic cells will be the main players in the electrification of society and industry during the next decade. And it is on these pillars that the “Energy Materials” Section will focus its efforts in order to offer high-quality research articles.
 
4. What do you think of the development of Open Access in the publishing field?
Researchers must be able to work in the best possible conditions in order to reach important goals. To this purpose, the first requirement is to have access to the literature on one's own research topic, hence the high importance of the Open Access system emerges.
 
5. What aspects do you focus on when reviewing a manuscript?
I check these three items when I first read a newly submitted manuscript. First, the main challenge of the work must be clearly highlighted. Second, a phenomenological explanation for the measured performances has to be clearly indicated. Third, English style: authors often do not take care of this aspect, but this influences the way a research work is appreciated by a referee.
 
6. Do you have any suggestions for young researchers in this field?
There is strong competition between research groups in the field of energy materials, and this stems from the great challenges in place and the potential to be financed more easily than in other sectors. However, innovation always comes first: I suggest young people focus on a challenge where they can emerge with a new material or a new phenomenon, rather than chasing performance records on existing materials developed by others.

We wish Prof. Dr. Federico Bella every success in his new position, and we look forward to his contributions to the journal.

1. "High-Temperature Properties and Applications of Si-Based Polymer-Derived Ceramics: A Review"
by Zhongkan Ren, Shakir Bin Mujib and Gurpreet Singh
Materials 2021, 14(3), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma1403061
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/3/614

2. "Propolis and Organosilanes as Innovative Hybrid Modifiers in Wood-Based Polymer Composites"
by Majka Odalanowska, Magdalena Woźniak, Izabela Ratajczak, Daria Zielińska, Grzegorz Cofta and Sławomir Borysiak
Materials 2021, 14(2), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14020464
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/2/464

3. "Antibacterial Films Based on Polylactide with the Addition of Quercetin and Poly(Ethylene Glycol)"
by Ewa Olewnik-Kruszkowska, Magdalena Gierszewska, Agnieszka Richert, Sylwia Grabska-Zielińska, Anna Rudawska and Mohamed Bouaziz
Materials 2021, 14(7), 1643; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14071643
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/7/1643

4. "Structure and Mechanical Properties of High-Density Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Glassy Carbon"
by Piotr Olesik, Marcin Godzierz, Mateusz Kozioł, Jakub Jała, Urszula Szeluga and Jerzy Myalski
Materials 2021, 14(14), 4024; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14144024
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/14/4024

5. "Photocurable Epoxy Acrylate Coatings Preparation by Dual Cationic and Radical Photocrosslinking"
by Paulina Bednarczyk, Karolina Mozelewska, Małgorzata Nowak and Zbigniew Czech
Materials 2021, 14(15), 4150; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154150
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/15/4150

6. "Bactericidal and Fungistatic Properties of LDPE Modified with a Biocide Containing Metal Nanoparticles"
by Katarzyna Janczak, Daria Kosmalska, Daniel Kaczor, Aneta Raszkowska-Kaczor, Lauren Wedderburn and Rafał Malinowski
Materials 2021, 14(15), 4228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154228
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/15/4228

7. "New Organosilicon Composite Based on Borosiloxane and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Inhibits Bacterial Growth, but Does Not Have a Toxic Effect on the Development of Animal Eukaryotic Cells"
by Denis N. Chausov, Dmitriy E. Burmistrov, Alexander D. Kurilov, Nikolai F. Bunkin, Maxim E. Astashev, Alexander V. Simakin, Maria V. Vedunova and Sergey V. Gudkov
Materials 2021, 14(21), 6281; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14216281
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/21/6281

8. "Quantification Approaches for Fatigue Crack Resistance of Thermoplastic Tape Layered Composites with Multiple Delaminations"
by Anastasiia Khudiakova, Andreas J. Brunner, Markus Wolfahrt and Gerald Pinter
Materials 2021, 14(6), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14061476
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/6/1476

9. "Near-Infrared Light-Responsive Shell-Crosslinked Micelles of Poly(d,l-lactide)-b-poly((furfuryl methacrylate)-co-(N-acryloylmorpholine)) Prepared by Diels–Alder Reaction for the Triggered Release of Doxorubicin"
by Sonyabapu Yadav, Kalyan Ramesh, Parveen Kumar, Sung-Han Jo, Seong II Yoo, Yeong-Soon Gal, Sang-Hyug Park and Kwon Taek Lim
Materials 2021, 14(24), 7913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14247913
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/24/7913

10. "High-Impact Polystyrene Reinforced with Reduced Graphene Oxide as a Filament for Fused Filament Fabrication 3D Printing"
by Marta Sieradzka, Janusz Fabia, Dorota Biniaś, Tadeusz Graczyk and Ryszard Fryczkowski
Materials 2021, 14(22), 7008; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14227008
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/22/7008

We are pleased to announce that 18 new scholars have recently been appointed Editorial Board Members (EBMs) of the journal Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944).

Further details about the Editorial Board can be found at https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/editors.

We wish them every success in both their research and in the development of the journal.

Additionally, Materials is recruiting prestigious scholars from around the world to join our Editorial Board. To apply for this position, recommend potential candidates, or request further information, please contact the Materials Editorial Office (materials@mdpi.com) with the following two files attached:

• A full academic CV;
• A short cover letter that details your interest in and enthusiasm for the position.

Materials Editorial Office

We are now recruiting the Editor-in-Chief for the Section “Soft Matter” of Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944), which was launched last year. If you are an active researcher in one of the soft matter fields and are passionate about publishing cutting-edge research, please do not hesitate to contact us at materials@mdpi.com.

Section Information:

Research in soft matter covers, among other polymers, liquid crystals, colloids, granular matter, hybrids and active matter, as well as wetting and friction phenomena, soft surfaces and interphases, gels, liquid–liquid phase transitions, and biomimetic systems. To enhance our understanding of soft matter in the context of material science, the Section includes but is not limited to contributions to:

• Theoretical, computational, and experimental studies of polymers, gels, colloids, wetting and friction phenomena, soft surfaces, and active and biomimetic systems;
• The understanding of phase transitions and phase behavior in soft matter;
• The understanding of non-equilibrium and meta-stable states in soft matter, including applications to device functions and processing;
• Application of methods of artificial intelligence and machine learning in soft matter and soft materials, processing, and devices.

You can find more information about the Section on our homepage: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/sections/soft_matter.

The Section Editor-in-Chief has the following responsibilities:

• Promoting Materials and the Section “Soft Matter” and increasing their visibility at related academic conferences;
• Scientific decisions about the journal’s scope;
• Inviting distinguished scientists to join the Editorial Board;
• Suggesting topics for Special Issues and assisting the Guest Editors in the setup of Special Issues;
• Providing support and guidance to Editorial Board Members and editorial staff where required;
• Overviewing the editorial process for individual manuscripts (mainly by taking the final decision on whether a paper can be published after peer review and revisions).
• Understanding, leading, and upholding MDPI’s peer review guidelines and ethics guidelines.

We believe that by combining our rigorous editorial policies with your expertise, we can build a high-quality journal. We thank you in advance for your interest and look forward to collaborating with you.

Materials Editorial Office

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has sponsored the Best Oral Presentation Award for the Congress of the Computational and Theoretical Chemistry Division of the Italian Chemical Society (VII CONGRESSO DELLA DIVISIONE DI CHIMICA TEORICA E COMPUTAZIONALE—DCTC2022). The applications were processed by the Conference Committee. We are pleased to announce the winner— Mr. Cheng Giuseppe Chen.

He is the winner of the Best Oral Presentation Award at the congress of the Computational and Theoretical Chemistry division of the Italian Chemical Society (VII CONGRESSO DELLA DIVISIONE DI CHIMICA TEORICA E COMPUTAZIONALE—DCTC2022), Modena, 21–23 September 2022. The title of the presentation was “PyMM: An open-source Python program for QM/MM Simulations based on the Perturbed Matrix Method”.

The award was delivered by the President of the Commission composed of the following people:

• Prof. Isabella Daidone (University of L'Aquila);
• Prof. Mauro Stener (University of Trento);
• Dr. Francesco Muniz-Miranda (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia).

We would like to congratulate Mr. Cheng Giuseppe Chen again for his accomplishment! If you are also interested in Materials’ awards, please refer to https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/awards to apply or nominate someone else for an award.

MDPI will be attending the 14th National Surface Engineering Conference, held in Wuhan, China, from 11 to 13 November 2022. This conference aims to achieve an in-depth exchange of the latest research results in surface engineering and related disciplines and to discuss the frontier trends and future development trends of surface engineering research and engineering application. During this conference, MDPI will welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us. 

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Lubricants;
• Applied Sciences;
• Surfaces;
• Polymers;
• Materials;
• QuBS;
• Coatings;
• Clean Technologies. 

If you plan on attending this conference, feel free to stop by our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions you may have. 

For more information about the conference, please see the following link: http://bmgc2022.aconf.cn/index.html.

Conference: Journées de Chimie Organique (JCO 2022)
Date: 2–4 November 2022
Place: Palaiseau, France
Booth Number: 2

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) and Molecules (ISSN: 1420-3049) will be attending the Journées de Chimie Organique (JCO 2022) as exhibitors from 2 to 4 November in Palaiseau, France.

The JCO is organized every 3 years by the Organic Chemistry Division committee. It aims to be a great opportunity for the sharing of science, gathering organic chemists from all over the world.

This year, the meeting will include 13 plenary lectures and 5 invited lectures given by French and foreign researchers from both academic and industrial backgrounds, and will also highlight awardees of the DCO prizes.

Numerous oral communications are open to young researchers in various areas, such as the following:

• Catalysis;
• New methods in organic synthesis;
• Total synthesis of natural products;
• Sustainable chemistry;
• Medicinal chemistry;
• Bioorganic chemistry;
• Chemobiology;
• Supramolecular chemistry;
• Applications in materials and energy.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Materials;
• Molecules;
• Compos. Sci.;
• IJMS;
• Molbank;
• Symmetry.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you plan on attending this conference. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions you might have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.jco2022.com/en/.

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative—the Special Issue Mentor Program. This program intends to provide an opportunity for early-career scientists to enhance their editing, networking, and organizational skills and to work closely with our journal to gain more editorial experience. Early career scientists who have novel ideas for new Materials Special Issues will act as Guest Editors under the mentorship of an experienced scientist; this mentor could be a member of the Editorial Board of Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944), from other well-established research institutes or laboratories, etc.

The mentee’s responsibilities include:

• Providing a CV, including a list of publications;
• Proposing a Special Issue title and a short introduction;
• Writing a brief promotion plan for the Special Issue;
• Writing an editorial for the online Special Issue;
• Reviewing and making decisions for submissions under the mentorship of our Editorial Board Members.

The mentor’s responsibilities include:

• Conducting a final check before the Special Issue is published online;
• Co-editing the Special Issue with younger scholars and performing quality control of the publications in the Special Issue;
• Providing suggestions to younger scholars if they have doubts or concerns regarding submissions;
• Regularly organizing video calls with young scholars and the office to discuss problems and offer suggestions for improvement for the Special Issue.

Certificates and awards:

When the Special Issue is closed, the Editorial Office will provide official certificates for all the mentors. The younger scholars will be prioritized as candidates for Materials Young Investigator Awards in future editions.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your Special Issue proposal to the Materials Editorial Office (materials@mdpi.com), and we will discuss the process (mentor collaboration, Special Issue topic feasibility analysis, etc.) in further detail.

In addition to the new Special Issue Mentor Program, Materials will continually welcome all Special Issue proposals based on hot research topics as usual.

Materials Editorial Office

1. “Application of Ionic Liquids for Batteries and Supercapacitors”
by Ray, A. and Saruhan, B.
Materials 2021, 14(11), 2942; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14112942
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/11/2942

2. “Research Progress of Proton Exchange Membrane Failure and Mitigation Strategies”
by Xing, Y.; Li, H. and Avgouropoulos, G.
Materials 2021, 14(10), 2591; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14102591
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/10/2591

3. “Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices”
by Kim, E.; Han, J.; Ryu, S.; Choi, Y. and Yoo, J.
Materials 2021, 14(14), 4000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14144000
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/14/4000

4. “Undoped Sr₂MMoO₆ Double Perovskite Molybdates (M = Ni, Mg, Fe) as Promising Anode Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells”
by Skutina, L.; Filonova, E.; Medvedev, D. and Maignan, A.
Materials 2021, 14(7), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14071715
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/7/1715

5. “Utilization of Red Mud as a Source for Metal Ions—A Review”
by Samal, S.
Materials 2021, 14(9), 2211; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14092211
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/9/2211

6. “Investigation of Lithium Ion Diffusion of Graphite Anode by the Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique”
by Park, J. H.; Yoon, H.; Cho, Y. and Yoo, C.-Y.
Materials 2021, 14(16), 4683; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14164683
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/16/4683

7. “Enhanced Structural Stability and Electrochemical Performance of LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ Cathode Materials by Ga Doping”
by Liu, Z.; Li, J.; Zhu, M.; Wang, L.; Kang, Y.; Dang, Z.; Yan, J. and He, X.
Materials 2021, 14(8), 1816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14081816
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/8/1816

8. “Nanocomposites Prepared from Carbon Nanotubes and the Transition Metal Dichalcogenides WS₂ and MoS₂ via Surfactant-Assisted Dispersions as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reactions”
by Ferreira, P.; Abreu, B.; Freire, C.; Fernandes, D. M. and Marques, E. F.
Materials 2021, 14(4), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14040896
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/4/896

9. “Recent Progress in Cathode Materials for Sodium-Metal Halide Batteries”
by Zhan, X.; Li, M. M.; Weller, J. M.; Sprenkle, V. L. and Li, G.
Materials 2021, 14(12), 3260; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14123260
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/12/3260

10. “Flexible Supercapacitors Based on Graphene/Boron Nitride Nanosheets Electrodes and PVA/PEI Gel Electrolytes”
by Wang, C.; Hu, K.; Liu, Y.; Zhang, M.-R.; Wang, Z. and Li, Z.
Materials 2021, 14(8), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14081955
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/8/1955

Peer Review Week began 19 September 2022 under the theme of “Research Integrity: Creating and Supporting Trust in Research”. Through various blog articles, podcast, and webinar, we discussed this crucial subject throughout the week, celebrating the essential role peer review plays in maintaining research quality.

To begin, we held a Webinar on the topic. Professor Peter W. Choate and Dr. Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi joined Dr. Ioana Craciun, one of MDPI’s scientific officers, for an in-depth discussion.

We invite you to view the event recording:

During the week, the MDPI Blog in a series articles highlighted how good Peer Review safeguards research integrity. The following topics were covered:

• Peer Review Week 2022
• Research Integrity
• What We’ve Learned About Peer Review Reports
• 4 Steps to the Perfect Peer Review Report
• How to Write the Perfect Peer Review Report: An Interview
• Inviting Great Peer Reviewers

In a new edition of Insight Faster, an MDPI podcast, we were delighted to talk to the co-chairs of the Peer Review Week committee, Jayashree Rajagopalan (Senior Manager of Global Community Engagement for CACTUS) and Danielle Padula (Head of Marketing and Community Development at Scholastica) to get their take on this year’s event and its related topics.

You can find the Podcast here.

We hope you enjoy the contents!

The Editor’s Choice Articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles that have recently been published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to authors, or important in this field. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

We are pleased to present the Q3 2022 Editor’s Choice Articles. We hope that these papers can help and provide a reference for your academic research.

“An Overview of Some Nonpiezoelectric Properties of BaTiO₃ Ceramics Doped by Eu Ions”
by Magdalena Krupska-Klimczak et al.
Materials 2022, 15(15), 5363; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155363
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/15/5363

“Evaluation of Solidified Wastewater Treatment Sludge as a Potential SCM in Pervious Concrete Pavements”
by Ognjen Govedarica et al.
Materials 2022, 15(14), 4919; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15144919
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/14/4919

“Synthesis and Processing Parameter Optimization of Nano-Belite via One-Step Combustion Method”
by Hongfang Sun et al.
Materials 2022, 15(14), 4913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15144913
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/14/4913

“The Effect of Bi₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ Impurity Phases in BiFeO₃ Perovskite Materials on Some Electrical Properties in the Low-Frequency Field”
by Cristian Casut et al.
Materials 2022, 15(14), 4764; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15144764
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/14/4764

“Concrete/Glass Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) Synergies in Ternary Eco-Cement-Paste Mineralogy”
by Raquel Vigil de la Villa Mencía et al.
Materials 2022, 15(13), 4661; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15134661
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/13/4661

“Pressure-Induced Superconductivity of the Quasi-One-Dimensional Organic Conductor (TMTTF)₂TaF₆”
by Miho Itoi et al.
Materials 2022, 15(13), 4638; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15134638
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/13/4638

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the research groups that submitted to Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944). We would appreciate it if you would circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

• Submitting a manuscript:

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) is an open access journal that publishes spotlights, reviews, original research contributions, and short communications. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload/8865a3461895587443b8af1c017a16b7?form%5Bjournal_id%5D=14.

• Launching a Special Issue:

You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field: https://www.mdpi.com/journalproposal/sendproposalspecialissue/materials.

• Joining the Editorial Board:

If you are an active researcher in the field of materials science and engineering and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

1. “Functional Importance of Surface Texture Parameters”
by Pawlus, P.; Reizer, R. and Wieczorowski M.
Materials 2021, 14(18), 5326; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14185326
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/18/5326

2. “Methodology for the Quality Control Process of Additive Manufacturing Products Made of Polymer Materials”
by Budzik, G.; Woźniak, J.; Paszkiewicz, A.; Przeszłowski, Ł.; Dziubek, T. and Dębski, M.
Materials 2021, 14(9), 2202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14092202
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/9/2202

3. “Tailoring Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Additively-Manufactured Ti6Al4V Using Post Processing”
by Ganor, Y. I.; Tiferet, E.; Vogel, S. C.; Brown, D. W.; Chonin, M.; Pesach, A.; Hajaj, A.; Garkun, A.; Samuha, S.; Shneck, R. Z. and Yeheskel, O.
Materials 2021, 14(3), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14030658
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/3/658

4. “Peening Techniques for Surface Modification: Processes, Properties, and Applications”
by John, M.; Kalvala, P. R.; Misra, M. and Menezes, P. L.
Materials 2021, 14(14), 3841; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14143841
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/14/3841

5. “In Situ Monitoring of Additive Manufacturing Using Digital Image Correlation: A Review”
by Cunha, F. G.; Santos, T. G. and Xavier, J.
Materials 2021, 14(6), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14061511
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/6/1511

6. “Recent Attempts in the Design of Efficient PVC Plasticizers with Reduced Migration”
by Czogała, J.; Pankalla, E. and Turczyn, R.
Materials 2021, 14(4), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14040844
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/4/844

7. “Wear Resistance Improvement of Cemented Tungsten Carbide Deep-Hole Drills after Ion Implantation”
by Morozow, D.; Barlak, M.; Werner, Z.; Pisarek, M.; Konarski, P.; Zagórski, J.; Rucki, M.; Chałko, L.; Łagodziński, M.; Narojczyk, J.; Krzysiak, Z. and Caban, J.
Materials 2021, 14(2), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14020239
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/2/239

8. “Multiscale Analysis of Surface Texture Quality of Models Manufactured by Laser Powder-Bed Fusion Technology and Machining from 316L Steel”
by Gogolewski, D.; Bartkowiak, T.; Kozior, T. and Zmarzły, P.
Materials 2021, 14(11), 2794; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14112794
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/11/2794

9. “Tribological Properties of 2D Materials and Composites—A Review of Recent Advances”
by Manu, B. R.; Gupta, A. and Jayatissa, A. H.
Materials 2021, 14(7), 1630; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14071630
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/7/1630

10. “Reduction of Influence of the High-Frequency Noise on the Results of Surface Topography Measurements”
by Podulka, P.
Materials 2021, 14(2), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14020333
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/2/333

1. “Determination of Phase Transition and Critical Behavior of the As-Cast GdGeSi-(X) Type Alloys (Where X = Ni, Nd and Pr)”
by Gębara, P. and Hasiak, M.
Materials 2021, 14(1), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14010185
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/1/185

2. “Defects in Electron Beam Melted Ti-6Al-4V: Fatigue Life Prediction Using Experimental Data and Extreme Value Statistics”
by Sandell, V.; Hansson, T.; Roychowdhury, S.; Månsson, T.; Delin, M.; Åkerfeldt, P. and Antti, M.-L.
Materials 2021, 14(3), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14030640
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/3/640

3. “On the Response of a Micro Non-Destructive Testing X-ray Detector”
by Linardatos, D.; Koukou, V.; Martini, N.; Konstantinidis, A.; Bakas, A.; Fountos, G.; Valais, I. and Michail, C.
Materials 2021, 14(4), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14040888
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/4/888

4. “Very-High-Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Inconel 718 Alloy Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting at Elevated Temperature”
by Song, Z.; Gao, W.; Wang, D.; Wu, Z.; Yan, M.; Huang, L. and Zhang, X.
Materials 2021, 14(4), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14041001
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/4/1001

5. “Interactions between Dislocations and Boundaries during Deformation”
by Pan, H.; He, Y. and Zhang, X.
Materials 2021, 14(4),1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14041012
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/4/1012

6. “A New Approach in the Design of Microstructured Ultralight Components to Achieve Maximum Functional Performance”
by Calleja-Ochoa, A.; Gonzalez-Barrio, H.; López de Lacalle, N.; Martínez, S.; Albizuri, J. and Lamikiz, A.
Materials 2021, 14(7), 1588; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14071588
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/7/1588

7. “Long-Term Stability of Different Kinds of Gas Nanobubbles in Deionized and Salt Water”
by Zhou, Y.; Han, Z.; He, C.; Feng, Q.; Wang, K.; Wang, Y.; Luo, N.; Dodbiba, G.; Wei, Y.; Otsuki, A. and Fujita, T.
Materials 2021, 14(7), 1808; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14071808
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/7/1808

8. “The Influence of the Physical-Mechanical Parameters of Rock on the Extent of the Initial Failure Zone under the Action of an Undercut Anchor”
by Jonak, J.; Karpiński, R.; Wójcik, A. and Siegmund, M.
Materials 2021, 14(8), 1841. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14081841
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/8/1841

9. “Analytical Prediction for Nonlinear Buckling of Elastically Supported FG-GPLRC Arches under a Central Point Load”
by Yang, Z.; Liu, A.; Yang, J.; Lai, S.-K.; Lv, J. and Fu, J.
Materials 2021, 14(8), 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14082026
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/8/2026

1. “Effect of Layer Directions on Internal Structures and Tensile Properties of 17-4PH Stainless Steel Parts Fabricated by Fused Deposition of Metals”
by Abe, Y.; Kurose, T.; Santos, M. V. A.; Kanaya, Y.; Ishigami, A.; Tanaka, S. and Ito, H.
Materials 2021, 14(2), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14020243
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/2/243

2. “A Flow Stress Model of 300M Steel for Isothermal Tension”
by Chen, R.; Zhang, S.; Liu, X. and Feng, F.
Materials 2021, 14(2), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14020252
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/2/252

3. “Optimization of Mechanical Properties and Damage Tolerance in Polymer-Mineral Multilayer Composites”
by Wiener, J.; Kaineder, H.; Kolednik, O. and Arbeiter, F.
Materials 2021, 14(4), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14040725
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/4/725

4. “Influence of Polypropylene, Glass and Steel Fiber on the Thermal Properties of Concrete”
by Małek, M.; Jackowski, M.; Łasica,W. and Kadela, M.
Materials 2021, 14(8), 1888; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14081888
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/8/1888

5. “Application of the Strain Compensation Model and Processing Maps for Description of Hot Deformation Behavior of Metastable β Titanium Alloy”
by Lypchanskyi, O.; ´Sleboda, T.; Łukaszek-Sołek, A.; Zyguła, K. and Wojtaszek, M.
Materials 2021, 14(8), 2021; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14082021
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/8/2021

6. “High UV and Sunlight Photocatalytic Performance of Porous ZnO Nanostructures Synthesized by a Facile and Fast Microwave Hydrothermal Method”
by Ferreira, S. H.; Morais, M.; Nunes, D.; Oliveira, M. J.; Rovisco, A.; Pimentel, A.; Águas, H.; Fortunato, E. and Martins, R.
Materials 2021, 14(9), 2385; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14092385
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/9/2385

7. “Influence of Alkali Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Coir and Abaca Fibers”
by Valášek, P.; Müller, M.; Šleger, V.; Koláˇr, V.; Hromasová, M.; D’Amato, R. and Ruggiero, A.
Materials 2021, 14(10), 2636; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14102636
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/10/2636

8. “Review on the Use of Superconducting Bulks for Magnetic Screening in Electrical Machines for Aircraft Applications”
by Dorget, R.; Nouailhetas, Q.; Colle, A.; Berger, K.; Sudo, K.; Ayat, S.; Lêvêque, J.; Koblischka, M. R.; Sakai, N.; Oka, T.; et al.
Materials 2021, 14(11), 2847; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14112847
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/11/2847

9. “Synthesis of Niobium-Alumina Composite Aggregates and Their Application in Coarse-Grained Refractory Ceramic-Metal Castables”
by Zienert, T.; Endler, D.; Hubálková, J.; Günay, G.; Weidner, A.; Biermann, H.; Kraft, B.; Wagner, S. and Aneziris, C. G.
Materials 2021, 14(21), 6453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14216453
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/21/6453

10. “Numerical Investigation on Guided Waves Dispersion and Scattering Phenomena in Stiffened Panels”
by De Luca, A.; Perfetto, D.; Lamanna, G.; Aversano, A. and Caputo, F.
Materials 2022, 15(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15010074
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/1/74

1. “Comparative Study of Gelatin Hydrogels Modified by Various Cross-Linking Agents”
by Skopinska-Wisniewska, J.; Tuszynska, M. and Olewnik-Kruszkowska, E.
Materials 2021, 14(2), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14020396
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/2/396

2. “Review on Development and Dental Applications of Polyetheretherketone-Based Biomaterials and Restorations”
by Qin, L.; Yao, S.; Zhao, J.; Zhou, C.; Oates, T. W.; Weir, M. D.; Wu, J. and Xu, H. H. K.
Materials 2021, 14(2), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14020408
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/2/408

3. “Effect of the Cross-Linking Density on the Swelling and Rheological Behavior of Ester-Bridged β-Cyclodextrin Nanosponges”
by Hoti, G.; Caldera, F.; Cecone, C.; Rubin Pedrazzo, A.; Anceschi, A.; Appleton, S. L.; Khazaei Monfared, Y. and Trotta, F.
Materials 2021, 14(3), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14030478
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/3/478

4. “Synthesis and Application of Cellulose-Polyethyleneimine Composites and Nanocomposites: A Concise Review”
by Riva, L.; Fiorati, A. and Punta, C.
Materials 2021, 14(3), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14030473
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/3/473

5. “Modelling ATR-FTIR Spectra of Dental Bonding Systems to Investigate Composition and Polymerisation Kinetics”
by Delgado, A. H. and Young, A. M.
Materials 2021, 14(4), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14040760
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/4/760

6. “Chitosan and Hydroxyapatite Based Biomaterials to Circumvent Periprosthetic Joint Infections”
by Costa-Pinto, A. R.; Lemos, A. L.; Tavaria, F. K. and Pintado, M.
Materials 2021, 14(4), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14040804
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/4/804

7. “Advances in Drug Delivery Nanosystems Using Graphene-Based Materials and Carbon Nanotubes”
by Jampilek, J. and Kralova, K.
Materials 2021, 14(5), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14051059
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/5/1059

8. “Titanium and Protein Adsorption: An Overview of Mechanisms and Effects of Surface Features”
by Barberi, J. and Spriano, S.
Materials 2021, 14(7), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma140510590
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/7/1590

9. “Direct 3D Printing of Clear Orthodontic Aligners: Current State and Future Possibilities”
by Tartaglia, G.M.; Mapelli, A.; Maspero, C.; Santaniello, T.; Serafin, M.; Farronato, M. and Caprioglio, A.
Materials 2021, 14(7), 1799; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14071799
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/7/1799

10. “Bioactive Glass Applications: A Literature Review of Human Clinical Trials”
by Cannio, M.; Bellucci, D.; Roether, J. A.; Boccaccini, D. N. and Cannillo, V.
Materials 2021, 14(18), 5440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14185440
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/18/5440

1. “Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Fibre-Reinforced Cement–Glass Composite”
by Małek, M.; Łasica, W.; Kadela, M.; Kluczyński, J. and Dudek, D.
Materials 2021, 14(3), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14030637
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/3/637

2. “Foam Replica Method in the Manufacturing of Bioactive Glass Scaffolds: Out-of-Date Technology or Still Underexploited Potential?”
by Fiume, E.; Ciavattini, S.; Verné, E. and Baino, F.
Materials 2021, 14(11), 2795; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14112795
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/11/2795

3. “Zirconia–Alumina Composites Obtained by Centrifugal Slip Casting as Attractive Sustainable Material for Application in Construction”
by Zygmuntowicz, J.; Tomaszewska, J.; Żurowski, R.; Wachowski, M.; Piotrkiewicz, P. and Konopka, K.
Materials 2021, 14(2), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14020250
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/2/250

4. “Transparent Glasses and Glass-Ceramics in the Ternary System TeO₂-Nb₂O₅-PbF₂”
by Santos Barbosa, J.; Batista, G.; Danto, S.; Fargin, E.; Cardinal, T.; Poirier, G. and Castro Cassanjes, F.
Materials 2021, 14(2), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14020317
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/2/317

5. “Resorbable Mg²⁺-Containing Phosphates for Bone Tissue Repair”
by Kazakova, G.; Safronova, T.; Golubchikov, D.; Shevtsova, O. and Rau, J.V.
Materials 2021, 14(17), 4857; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14174857
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/17/4857

6. “Copper-Doped Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Powders: Dopant Release, Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Properties”
by Jacobs, A.; Renaudin, G.; Charbonnel, N.; Nedelec, J.-M.; Forestier, C. and Descamps, S.
Materials 2021, 14(9), 2393; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14092393
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/9/2393

7. “Al₂O₃/ZrO₂ Materials as an Environmentally Friendly Solution for Linear Infrastructure Applications”
by Zygmuntowicz, J.; Żurowski, R.; Tomaszewska, J.; Wachowski, M.; Torzewski, J.; Piotrkiewicz, P.; Gloc, M. and Konopka, K.
Materials 2021, 14(9), 2375; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14092375
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/9/2375

8. “Influence of Quenching and Subsequent Annealing on the Conductivity and Electromechanical Properties of Na_1/2Bi_1/2TiO₃-BaTiO₃”
by Kodumudi Venkataraman, L.
Materials 2021, 14(9), 2149; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14092149
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/9/2149

9. “Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Co-Electrodeposited Particulate-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites: A Critical Review with Interfacial Aspects”
by Jenczyk, P.; Grzywacz, H.; Milczarek, M. and Jarząbek, D.M.
Materials 2021, 14(12), 3181; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14123181
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/12/3181

10. “Fabrication of Highly Transparent Y₂O₃ Ceramics with CaO as Sintering Aid”
by Yin, D.; Wang, J.; Ni, M.; Liu, P.; Dong, Z. and Tang, D.
Materials 2021, 14(2), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14020444
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/2/444

The Scientific Conference Programme is coordinated by the European Commission Joint Research Centre and covers the entire range of PV research, technologies and applications focusing on bringing the latest scientific and technological research trends to the market.

It also offers a variety of broader insights into the current developments in the sector, acknowledging that PV integration needs to be approached from all dimensions—scientific, technical, economic, political, business, and also social and educational aspects.

The Programme is structured in plenary, oral, and visual presentations and is divided into 5 topics. These cover the entire range of PV research, technologies, and applications, with a special emphasis on the latest scientific, technological, and market-related trends.

During this conference, MDPI (at booth #B1) will welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest inspirations with us.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Energies (leading journal);
• Materials (leading journal);
• Sustainability;
• Crystals;
• Photonics;
• Nanoenergy Advances;
• Solar.

If you plan on attending this conference, feel free to stop by our booth at #B1. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions you may have.

For more information about the conference, please see the following link: https://www.wcpec-8.com/index.php.

Date: 19 September 2022
Time: 2:00 p.m. CEST | 8:00 a.m. EDT | 8:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 830 1209 2867
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4016602954991/WN_-RdHcpdORoOC8U6WkbIyJg
Participation fee: None
Language: English
Webinar keywords: nanomaterials; nanotechnology; environmental; energy; CO₂ emissions; sustainability
Related Special Issues:
“Advances in Synthesis, Properties and Application of Nanomaterials”;
“Nanoparticles for Biophotonics and Nanomedicine”.

Webinar Chair and Speakers:

Chair:

Dr. Thomas Webster

Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China

Speakers:

 If you have any questions about this webinar, please contact fay.liu@mdpi.com.

We look forward to your participation in this event.

Materials Editorial Office

Conference: 49th World Polymers Congress MACRO 2022
Date: 17–21 July 2022
Place: Winnipeg, Canada
Booth: #6

Polymers (ISSN: 2073-4360) and Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) will be attending the 49th World Polymers Congress MACRO 2022 as exhibitors from 17 to 21 July 2022 in Winnipeg, Canada.

The year 2022 marks the first time that Canada is hosting the World Polymers Congress since it became a biennial event in 1998. The polymer science community of Canada looks forward to connecting at the 49th World Polymers Congress, which is held in the city of Winnipeg from 17 to 21 July 2022. True to its mission, MACRO 2022 will be a forum for international scientists and students who are in various stages of their career development to share knowledge and experiences.

The MACRO 2022 program comprises nine themes that represent the following subjects:

• Polymers for Biomedical Engineering;
• Polymers for Energy and Environmental Applications;
• Polymer Engineering and Rheology;
• Polymers for Nanotechnology;
• Polymer Physics and Characterization;
• Polymers from Renewable Resources and Biodegradable Polymers;
• Polymer Science Education;
• Polymer Synthesis and Kinetics;
• Smart and Functional Polymers.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Polymers;
• Materials;
• Membranes;
• Pharmaceutics;
• Sustainability;
• Bioengineering;
• Gels;
• Electrochem;
• Solar.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you plan on attending this conference. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you might have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.macro2022.org/.

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has sponsored the Best Oral Presentation Award for the 18th European Student Colloid Conference. The applications were processed by the Conference Committee. We are pleased to announce the winner, Mr. Tin Klačić.

Mr. Tin Klačić graduated in the field of chemistry at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, in 2017. Since then, he has been a Ph.D. student employed as an assistant at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science in Zagreb. His teaching activities are at the Division of Physical Chemistry, where his work is connected to seminars and laboratory exercises in several physical chemistry courses for undergraduate and graduate students. The main areas of his scientific work are colloidal and interfacial chemistry, physical chemistry of macromolecules (especially polyelectrolytes), electrochemistry, and chemical kinetics. He has experience in using several instruments, such as atomic force microscopes, ellipsometers, contact angle goniometers, zetasizers, spectrophotometers, etc. His scientific results have been published in 10 articles in journals from the Current Contents selection and presented at 14 conferences. He has also published one professional paper.

We would like to congratulate Mr. Tin Klačić again for his accomplishments! If you are also interested in Materials’ Awards, please refer to https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/awards to apply or nominate someone else for an award.

Conference: International Conference of Non-Ferrous Materials 2022
Date: 15–17 July 2022
Place: Nanning, China
Booth: #A5

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) and Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701) will be attending the International Conference of Non-Ferrous Materials 2022 as exhibitors from 15 to 17 July in Nanning, China.

The International Conference of Non-Ferrous Materials is an important academic conference in the field of non-ferrous materials, sponsored by the Nonferrous Metals Society of China and co-organized by universities, research institutes, and enterprises engaged in the non-ferrous metal industry. It is held once a year. The meeting objectives are for China to be engaged in non-ferrous metal materials science research, the development and industrialization of experts, scholars, professors, and scientific as well as technical workers, the management of the relevant government department leaders, entrepreneurs, and other relevant personnel to build a communication platform, share the latest research results of materials, achieve the purpose of promoting each other, improving together, and, additionally, to improve the status and role of new materials in China's national economy and social development.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Materials;
• Metals;
• Technologies;
• QuBS;
• JMMP;
• Alloys.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you plan on attending this conference. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you might have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.huiyi-123.com/article/278-179.html.

We are pleased to report that the 2021 Impact Factor of Materials increased to 3.748 in the recent release of the Journal Citation Reports ®. Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) now ranks Q1 in the JCR “Metallurgy and Metallurgical Engineering” category. With the support of our scholars, the Impact Factor of Materials has grown steadily for 5 consecutive years.

We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all the authors, reviewers, and editors who have contributed to the journal and helped us to reach this next big step.

For more information or to submit to our journal, please visit the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials.

The 2021 citation metrics have been released in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR), and we’re pleased to announce the following results for MDPI journals:

For more information on Impact Factors and what it means to index academic journals, please visit our related blog posts.

* Journals given their first Impact Factor in 2022

Source: 2021 Journal Impact Factors, Journal Citation Reports ^TM (Clarivate, 2022)

MDPI’s Young Investigator Awards recognize promising junior researchers, acknowledge their contributions, and enhance communication among scientists. We are proud to present the winners for the year 2021 in the “Chemistry & Materials Sciences” category. The winners were selected by the journals’ editors.

We warmly congratulate the awarded Young Investigators for their outstanding contributions.

MDPI will continue to provide support and recognition to the academic community.

Coatings:

• Marta Mohedano, Complutense University of Madrid-UCM, Spain

Materials:

• Edoardo Baldini, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

Magnetochemistry:

• Mauro Perfetti, University of Florence, Italy

Membranes:

• Xu Hou, Xiamen University, China

Molecules:

• Biplab Maji, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, India

Nanomaterials:

• Andres Castellanos-Gomez, Instituto de Ciencia de los Materiales de Madrid, Spain
• Takuya Isono, Hokkaido University, Japan
• Panbo Liu, Northwestern Polytechnical University, China

In order to acknowledge our reviewers, who so generously dedicate their time to reviewing papers and demonstrate diligence, professionalism, and timeliness when reviewing manuscripts, MDPI journals regularly offer outstanding reviewer awards to scholars who participate in the peer-review process.

We are proud to recognize the winners for the year 2021 in the “Chemistry & Materials Sciences” category for their outstanding contributions among extensive competition by presenting them with the Outstanding Reviewer Award.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the winners on their achievement.

MDPI will continue to provide support and recognition to the academic community.

Catalysts:

• Rahat Javaid, Fukushima Renewable Energy Institute, Japan
• Georgios Bampos, University of Patras, Greece
• Esmail Doustkhah, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Japan
• Pawan Kumar, University of Alberta, Canada

Magnetochemistry:

• Lorenzo Sorace, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Italy

Materials:

• Khaled Giasin, University of Portsmouth, UK
• Oldrich Sucharda, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
• Danil Pimenov, South Ural State University, Russia
• Marián Palcut, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia

Metals:

• Khaled Giasin, University of Portsmouth, UK
• Catalin Pruncu, University of Strathclyde, UK
• Jacek Tomków, Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland
• Alexander Yu Churyumov, National University of Science and Technology (MISiS), Russia
• Hesam Pouraliakbar, Chungnam National University, South Korea

Nanomaterials:

• George Kenanakis, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Greece
• Goshtasp Cheraghian, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
• Oana Cadar, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Romania

Polymers:

• Sawsan A. Zaitone, Suez Canal University, Saudi Arabia
• Lucia Baldino, University of Salerno Via Giovanni Paolo II, Fisciano (SA) Italy
• Gyorgy Szekely, University of Manchester, UK
• Bin Jiang, Northeast Agricultural University, China
• Haibao Lu, Harbin Institute of Technology, China

The purpose of our Best Paper Awards is to promote and recognize the most impactful contributions published within MDPI journals.

The editors of each journal carefully selected reviews and research papers through a rigorous judging process based on criteria such as the scientific merit, overall impact, and the quality of presentation of the papers published in the journal last year.

We are honored to present the winners in the “Chemistry & Materials Sciences” category, who were selected amongst the extensive competition, and congratulate the authors for their outstanding scientific publications.

MDPI will continue to provide support and recognition to the academic community.

C — Journal of Carbon Research：

• “Activated Carbons Derived from High-Temperature Pyrolysis of Lignocellulosic Biomass”
  by Cristian I. Contescu, Shiba P. Adhikari, Nidia C. Gallego, Neal D. Evans and Bryan E. Biss
  C 2018, 4(3), 51; doi:10.3390/c4030051

Catalysts:

• “Hydrogen Oxidation on Ni-Based Electrocatalysts: The Effect of Metal Doping”
  by Elena S. Davydova, Jérémie Zaffran, Kapil Dhaka, Maytal Caspary Toroker and Dario R. Dekel
  Catalysts 2018, 8(10), 454; doi:10.3390/catal8100454
• “Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production: Role of Sacrificial Reagents on the Activity of Oxide, Carbon, and Sulfide Catalysts”
  by Vignesh Kumaravel, Muhammad Danyal Imam, Ahmed Badreldin, Rama Krishna Chava, Jeong Yeon Do, Misook Kang and Ahmed Abdel-Wahab
  Catalysts 2019, 9(3), 276; doi:10.3390/catal9030276
• “A General Overview of Support Materials for Enzyme Immobilization: Characteristics, Properties, Practical Utility”
  by Jakub Zdarta, Anne S. Meyer, Teofil Jesionowski and Manuel Pinelo
  Catalysts 2018, 8(2), 92; doi:10.3390/catal8020092
• “Mechanistic Insights into Photodegradation of Organic Dyes Using Heterostructure Photocatalysts”
  by Yi-Hsuan Chiu, Tso-Fu Mark Chang, Chun-Yi Chen, Masato Sone and Yung-Jung Hsu
  Catalysts 2019, 9(5), 430; doi:10.3390/catal9050430

Ceramics:

• “Chemical Preparation Routes and Lowering the Sintering Temperature of Ceramics”
  by Philippe Colomban
  Ceramics 2020, 3(3), 312–339; doi:10.3390/ceramics3030029

Coatings:

• “State of the Art in Directed Energy Deposition: From Additive Manufacturing to Materials Design”
  by Adrita Dass and Atieh Moridi
  Coatings 2019, 9(7), 418; doi:10.3390/coatings9070418
• “Encapsulation of Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review”
  by Ashraf Uddin, Mushfika Baishakhi Upama, Haimang Yi and Leiping Duan
  Coatings 2019, 9(2), 65; doi:10.3390/coatings9020065
• “Poly (Lactic Acid)/Thermoplastic Starch Films: Effect of Cardoon Seed Epoxidized Oil on Their Chemicophysical, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties”
  by Rosa Turco, Rodrigo Ortega-Toro, Riccardo Tesser, Salvatore Mallardo, Sofia Collazo-Bigliardi, Amparo Chiralt Boix, Mario Malinconico, Massimo Rippa, Martino Di Serio and Gabriella Santagata
  Coatings 2019, 9(9), 574; doi:10.3390/coatings9090574
• “Physical and Morphological Characterization of Chitosan/Montmorillonite Films Incorporated with Ginger Essential Oil”
  by Victor Gomes Lauriano Souza, João Ricardo Afonso Pires, Carolina Rodrigues, Patricia Freitas Rodrigues, Andréia Lopes, Rui Jorge Silva, Jorge Caldeira, Maria Paula Duarte, Francisco Braz Fernandes, Isabel Maria Coelhoso and Ana Luisa Fernando
  Coatings 2019, 9(11), 700; doi:10.3390/coatings9110700
• “Application and Evaluation of a Pectin-Based Edible Coating Process for Quality Change Kinetics and Shelf-Life Extension of Lime Fruit (Citrus aurantifolium)”
  by Neda Maftoonazad and Hosahalli S. Ramaswamy
  Coatings 2019, 9(5), 285; doi:10.3390/coatings9050285

Crystals:

• “Crystal and Magnetic Structures in Layered, Transition Metal Dihalides and Trihalides”
  by Michael A. McGuire
  Crystals 2017, 7(5), 121; doi:10.3390/cryst7050121
• “σ-Hole Interactions: Perspectives and Misconceptions”
  by Peter Politzer and Jane S. Murray
  Crystals 2017, 7(7), 212; doi:10.3390/cryst7070212
• “σ-Hole Interactions of Covalently-Bonded Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Arsenic: A Survey of Crystal Structures”
  by Peter Politzer, Jane S. Murray, Goran V. Janjić and Snežana D. Zarić 
  Crystals 2014, 4(1), 12-31; doi:10.3390/cryst4010012
• “Epitaxial Graphene on SiC: A Review of Growth and Characterization”
  by Gholam Reza Yazdi, Tihomir Iakimov and Rositsa Yakimova
  Crystals 2016, 6(5), 53; doi:10.3390/cryst6050053

Magnetochemistry:

• “A Clock Transition in the Cr₇Mn Molecular Nanomagnet”
  by Charles A. Collett, Kai-Isaak Ellers, Nicholas Russo, Kevin R. Kittilstved, Grigore A. Timco, Richard E. P. Winpenny and Jonathan R. Friedman
  Magnetochemistry 2019, 5(1), 4; doi:10.3390/magnetochemistry5010004
• “A Series of Field-Induced Single-Ion Magnets Based on the Seven-Coordinate Co(II) Complexes with the Pentadentate (N₃O₂) H₂dapsc Ligand”
  by Vyacheslav A. Kopotkov, Denis V. Korchagin, Valentina D. Sasnovskaya, Ildar F. Gilmutdinov and Eduard B. Yagubskii
  Magnetochemistry 2019, 5(4), 58; doi:10.3390/magnetochemistry5040058
• “Magnetic Janus Particles for Static and Dynamic (Bio)Sensing”
  by Susana Campuzano, Maria Gamella, Verónica Serafín, María Pedrero, Paloma Yáñez-Sedeño and José Manuel Pingarrón
  Magnetochemistry 2019, 5(3), 47; doi:10.3390/magnetochemistry5030047

Membranes:

• “Composite Membranes for High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells and Electrolysers: A Critical Review”
  by Xinwei Sun, Stian Christopher Simonsen, Truls Norby and Athanasios Chatzitakis
  Membranes 2019, 9(7), 83; doi:10.3390/membranes9070083

• “Transport Characteristics of Fujifilm Ion-Exchange Membranes as Compared to Homogeneous Membranes AMX and CMX and to Heterogeneous Membranes MK-40 and MA-41”
  by Veronika Sarapulova, Inna Shkorkina, Semyon Mareev, Natalia Pismenskaya, Natalia Kononenko, Christian Larchet, Lasaad Dammak and Victor Nikonenko
  Membranes 2019, 9(7), 84; doi:10.3390/membranes9070084

Nanomaterials:

• “Nanomaterials for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater”
  by Jinyue Yang, Baohong Hou, Jingkang Wang, Beiqian Tian, Jingtao Bi, Na Wang, Xin Li and Xin Huang
  Nanomaterials 2019, 9(3), 424; doi:10.3390/nano9030424
• “Injectable Alginate-Peptide Composite Hydrogel as a Scaffold for Bone Tissue Regeneration”
  Moumita Ghosh, Michal Halperin-Sternfeld, Itzhak Grinberg and Lihi Adler-Abramovich
  Nanomaterials 2019, 9(4), 497; doi:10.3390/nano9040497
• “Carbon Dots and Graphene Quantum Dots in Electrochemical Biosensing”
  by Susana Campuzano, Paloma Yáñez-Sedeño and José M. Pingarrón
  Nanomaterials 2019, 9(4), 634; doi:10.3390/nano9040634
• “A Smart Nanovector for Cancer Targeted Drug Delivery Based on Graphene Quantum Dots”
  by Daniela Iannazzo, Alessandro Pistone, Consuelo Celesti, Claudia Triolo, Salvatore Patané, Salvatore V. Giofré, Roberto Romeo, Ida Ziccarelli, Raffaella Mancuso, Bartolo Gabriele, Giuseppa Visalli, Alessio Facciolà and Angela Di Pietro
  Nanomaterials 2019, 9(2), 282; doi:10.3390/nano9020282
• “Evolution of Wearable Devices with Real-Time Disease Monitoring for Personalized Healthcare”
  by Kyeonghye Guk, Gaon Han, Jaewoo Lim, Keunwon Jeong, Taejoon Kang, Eun-Kyung Lim and Juyeon Jung
  Nanomaterials 2019, 9(6), 813; doi:10.3390/nano9060813
• “An Ultra-High-Energy Density Supercapacitor; Fabrication Based on Thiolfunctionalized Graphene”
  by Janardhanan. R. Rani, Ranjith Thangavel, Se-I Oh, Yun Sung Lee and Jae-Hyung Jang
  Nanomaterials 2019, 9(2), 148; doi:10.3390/nano9020148

Polymers:

• “The Relationships between the Working Fluids, Process Characteristics and Products from the Modified Coaxial Electrospinning of Zein”
  by Menglong Wang, Tao Hai, Zhangbin Feng, Deng-Guang Yu, Yaoyao Yang and SW Annie Bligh 
  Polymers 2019, 11(8), 1287; doi:10.3390/polym11081287
• “Design of Controlled Release System for Paracetamol Based on Modified Lignin”
  by Mahboubeh Pishnamazi, Hamid Hafizi, Saeed Shirazian, Mario Culebras, Gavin M. Walker and Maurice N. Collins 
  Polymers 2019, 11(6), 1059; doi:10.3390/polym11061059
• “Additive Manufacturing of PLA-Based Composites Using Fused Filament Fabrication: Effect of Graphene Nanoplatelet Reinforcement on Mechanical Properties, Dimensional Accuracy and Texture”
  by Miguel Ángel Caminero, Jesús Miguel Chacón, Eustaquio García-Plaza, Pedro José Núñez, José María Reverte and Jean Paul Becar
  Polymers 2019, 11(5), 799; doi:10.3390/polym11050799
• “Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites: Manufacturing, Properties, and Applications”
  by Miguel Ángel Caminero, Jesús Miguel Chacón, ,Eustaquio García-Plaza, Pedro José Núñez, José María Reverte and Jean Paul Becar
  Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1667; doi:10.3390/polym11101667 

We are proud to recognize the winners of MDPI’s 2021 Travel Awards in the “Chemistry & Materials Sciences” category for their outstanding presentations.

MDPI journals regularly offer travel awards to encourage talented junior scientists to present their latest research at academic conferences in specific fields, which helps to increase their influence.

The winners mentioned below were carefully selected by the journal editors based on an outline of their research and the work to be presented at an academic conference.

We would like to warmly congratulate the winners of Travel Awards for the year 2021 and wish them the greatest success with their future research endeavors.

MDPI will continue to enhance communication among scientists.

Crystals:

• Gaojun Mao, Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland
• Lidia Bofill Herrera, University of Barcelona, Spain

Gels:

• Demetra Giuri, University of Bologna, Italy
• Martina Genta, Imperial College London, UK

Journal of Functional Biomaterials:

• Anushree Seth, Washington University, USA

Magnetochemistry:

• Fabio Ferreira, University of Coimbra, Portugal
• Giulia Serrano, University of Florence, Italy

Materials：

• Giulia Fredi, University of Trento, Italy
• Mattia Biesuz, Czech Academy of Science, Czech Republic

Metals:

• Adriana Eres-Castellanos, Spanish National Center for Metallurgical Research, Spain
• Pavel Shurkin, National University of Science and Technology, Russia

Nanomaterials:

• Aleksandrs Leitis, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, France
• Ekaterina Kolesova, ITMO, Russia

Separations:

• Christoph Gstoettner, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands

It is our great pleasure to announce that Materials (ISSN 1996-1944) has received an increased CiteScore of 4.7 for 2021 (an increase of 11.9% from last year). Materials now ranks Q2 (135/411) in the “Physics and Astronomy: Condensed Matter Physics” category and Q2 (159/455) in the “Materials Science: General Materials Science” category. With the support of our scholars, the CiteScore of Materials journals has grown steadily for 3 consecutive years.

We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all the authors, reviewers, and editors who have contributed to the journal and helped us reach this next big step!

For more information or to submit to our journal, please visit the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials.

Conference: 9th Forum on New Materials (CIMTEC 2022)
Date: 25–29 June 2022
Place: Perugia, Italy

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) will be attending CIMTEC 2022 as an exhibitor from 25 to 29 June in Perugia, Italy.

CIMTEC 2022, which celebrated its 50th birthday in 2021, is a major longstanding event for the international materials community. CIMTEC brings together materials scientists, physicists, chemists, and experts in the most demanding application engineering areas of modern materials, from the molecular scale and the nanoscale to large complex integrated systems.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Materials;
• Machines;
• Nanomaterials;
• Processes;
• Sci;
• Sensors.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you plan on attending this conference. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions you might have.

For more information about the conference and our virtual booth, please visit the following website: http://2022.cimtec-congress.org/.

The 2021 citation metrics have been officially released in Scopus!

We are pleased to announce that 182 MDPI journals are included, of which:

● 21 journals received their first CiteScore.
● 85% of journals increased their CiteScore from 2020.
● 155 journals (85%) ranked above average, in at least one category.

The following 65 MDPI journals (36%) ranked among the top 25% of journals, in at least one category: