Molecular Insights into Soft Materials

Dear Colleagues,

From hydrogels, plastics, elastomers, and liquid crystals to polymeric composites, soft materials have emerged as a versatile platform in various applications, including wearable devices, biomedical implants, intelligent/responsive materials, the food industry, chemical/biological material recycling, substance absorption/separation, energy storage, and catalysis. These diverse applications stem from the emergent chemical, electronic, optical, and mechanical properties inherent in soft materials, facilitated by meticulous control over their nano-, meso-, and macroscopic structures. At the core of this multi-level manipulation lies the mastery of a molecular-level structure, serving as the foundational basis for all functionalities. Therefore, delving into the molecular insights beneath the impressive functions of soft materials represents a crucial and primary step.

This Special Issue aims to present an updated view on achieving advanced material structures, properties, or functions through molecular design. The primary topics covered include chemical properties, self-assembly behaviors, material responses, carrier behaviors, biocompatibilities, healthcare properties, and recyclability across a broad spectrum of soft materials. Whether fundamental or applied, contributions are encouraged from scientists in diverse disciplines, such as chemistry, material science, energy and environmental science, biomedical engineering, and others. We welcome research articles and review manuscripts that align with the aforementioned aspects, contributing to a deeper understanding of the molecular intricacies underlying the remarkable features of soft materials.

Dr. Xiaoyun Yan
Dr. Shu Wang
Dr. Changxia Shi
Dr. Shucong Li
Prof. Dr. Jianxun Ding
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• polymer
• gel
• plastics
• elastomer
• fiber
• composite