Role of Surfaces and Interfaces in Physical Properties of Materials

Dear Colleagues,

A broad class of technologically important materials are either polycrystalline or the composites containing various inclusions. The properties of these materials are often determined by those of the interfaces between the crystallites or constituent components. The well-known examples are fibre-reinforced plastics, steel-reinforced concrete, various thermoset composites, low thermal and electrical conductivity polycrystalline materials, etc. An example from biology includes the signal propagation in neurons, which is strongly affected by interaction of the actin network surfaces with the surrounding electrolyte. 

Another class of materials used in numerous applications, is that with relatively large surface-to-volume ratio, such as meso- and nanomaterials. Physical properties of these materials depend on their surface energy. For example, the shift of nanoparticle melting temperature relative to the bulk is determined by the corresponding surface energy, as well as the thermodynamic stability of a nanoparticulate ensemble (Ostwald Ripening).

Understanding of the surface and interface characteristics of materials on various length scales and linking them to functional properties of these materials allows purposeful development of relevant directions in materials science and technology. The topic “Role of Surfaces and Interfaces in Physical Properties of Materials” includes but is not restricted by the studies in the following areas:

• structure and energetics of surfaces and interfaces, their impact on structure and stability of (nano)materials and (nano)composites
• electrical and mechanical properties of (nano)composites
• surface/interface electronic states and conductivity, spatially indirect excitons
• composites for photovoltaics and optoelectronics, photo- and electrochemistry
• bio-(nano)composites for medicine, drug delivery

Dr. Victor Burlakov
Guest Editor

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