Characterization of Geological Material at Nano- and Micro-scales

Dear Colleagues,

The study of geological materials is important for various reasons. Geological materials encompass valuable resources such as minerals, metals, fossil fuels, and groundwater. Understanding their distribution, occurrence, and properties is essential for effective exploration, extraction, and sustainable management. In mining operations, for instance, the comprehensive understanding of subsurface conditions and stability is vital to ensure safe practices. Additionally, geological materials significantly influence natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. By studying their properties and behaviours, we can better assess and mitigate the associated risks.

Geological materials are studied across a wide range of length scales, from kilometres down to sub-nanometres. While each scale provides valuable insights, understanding these materials at the nano- and micro-scales is particularly critical. This is because properties and behaviours observed at larger scales are governed by characteristics at smaller scales. In this context, we dedicate this Special Issue to the characterisation of geological materials at the nano- and micro-scales.

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advances and innovative approaches in the characterization of geological materials. We welcome studies using conventional analytical and imaging techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron diffraction, neutron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), optical microscopy, and X-ray micro-CT scanning. We also encourage the application of new methods and techniques, including artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches. Laboratory experiments and numerical simulations based on model or natural materials are also strongly encouraged.

We invite original research papers, review articles, and case studies on a broad range of topics, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Mineralogical analysis and petrological studies.
• Geochemical characterisation and elemental analysis.
• Microstructural and textural analysis.
• Spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.
• Geophysical methods for material characterisation.
• Mechanical properties and strength testing.
• Hydrogeological properties and permeability studies.
• Advances in analytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Environmental impacts and applications of geological materials.
• Case studies and practical applications in industry and academia.

Dr. Yulai Zhang
Dr. Chenhao Sun
Dr. Jianhua Zhao
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. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 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.

• porosity
• permeability
• texture
• breakage
• mechanical properties
• wettability
• morphology
• crystallography
• diagenesis
• mineralogical analysis
• petrology
• microstructural analysis
• microscopy