Polymer/Silica Nanocomposites: Preparation and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last few decades, polymer nanocomposites have drawn much attention both from industry and academy due to their superior and tailorable performance. Silica is a common, particularly attractive material has been used in a variety of fields. The bond enthalpy of Si–O is much larger than that of the C–O bond, rendering the thermal stability of silica, and its larger bond angle and longer bond length provide bond flexibility. In addition, uncondensed OH groups (silanol) on the silica surface make it easy for silica to connect with other materials, such as organic compounds, metal oxides, and metals. Through the hybridization of silica with suitable materials, polymer/SiO₂ composites can be customized in many ways to meet the needs of new cutting-edge technologies. For example, investigations on their applications in sensors, photoactive materials, filters, anodes in lithium ion batteries, drug delivery systems, catalysts, and biocompatible materials have been conducted.

This Special Issue will cover but not be limited to the following aspects of polymer/silica composite chemistry and technology: novel preparation method for polymer/silica composites; novel micro- and macrostructural analysis of polymer/silica composites; novel chemical and physical properties of polymer/silica composites; applications of polymer/silica composites.

Prof. Dr. Hua Zou
Guest Editor

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• silica
• SiO₂
• polymer
• composite
• sol–gel
• organic–inorganic composite
• application