Solid-state chemistry of innovative materials for slope erosion resistance

The solid-state chemistry of soil-stabilizing and surface-protection materials plays a critical role in controlling erosion at reservoir slopes and natural banks. Although conventional concrete and mortared stone revetments can provide rapid protection, their rigid interfaces, limited environmental adaptability, and low ecological compatibility can restrict long-term performance. Recent advances in inorganic mineralization, polymeric binders, bio-based composites, carbon-rich amendments, fibers, and hybrid organic–inorganic materials have created new opportunities for developing more durable and sustainable erosion-control systems. Their performance is governed by the relationships between composition, crystal structure, amorphous phases, particle morphology, surface chemistry, pore architecture, and interfacial bonding. Current studies have demonstrated the potential of MICP, EICP, polymer adsorption and crosslinking, biochar-based composites, and biologically reinforced materials; however, the molecular and solid-state mechanisms underlying mineral nucleation, phase transformation, adhesion, dissolution, swelling, shrinkage, and degradation remain insufficiently understood. In particular, the effects of wetting–drying cycles, water-level fluctuations, rainfall infiltration, and microbial activity on interfacial chemistry and microstructural stability require further investigation. Establishing clear structure–property relationships is essential for translating promising formulations into mechanism-based, environmentally compatible erosion-resistance materials.",This Research Topic aims to advance the chemical and solid-state understanding of innovative materials designed to improve the erosion resistance of soils and slope-protection interfaces. It will examine how the synthesis, composition, phase assemblage, crystallinity, surface functionality, porosity, particle size, and interfacial structure of inorganic, organic, biological, and hybrid materials determine their adhesion, cohesion, water stability, mechanical integrity, and resistance to particle detachment. Particular emphasis will be placed on the mechanisms of mineral nucleation and growth in MICP and EICP, polymer–mineral interactions, organic–inorganic crosslinking, fiber and biochar functionalization, and the formation of protective surface layers. The Research Topic also seeks to clarify material evolution under repeated wetting–drying, submersion–exposure, rainfall infiltration, hydraulic scour, and microbial or root-mediated chemical conditions. Contributions may develop new materials, characterize their structures and interfaces across multiple length scales, establish composition–structure–property relationships, or use computational and spectroscopic methods to explain performance. The overall goal is to support the rational design of low-carbon, durable, and ecologically compatible materials for erosion-resistant slope protection.",To gather further insights into the solid-state chemistry and interfacial materials science of erosion-control systems, this Research Topic will focus on the synthesis, characterization, transformation, and performance of functional materials used in soils, surface layers, and soil–material interfaces. Studies should link chemical composition or solid-state structure with erosion resistance, durability, environmental compatibility, or interfacial stability in reservoir slopes and natural banks.• Crystal chemistry, amorphous phases, mineral nucleation, and phase evolution in MICP- and EICP-treated soils• Solid-state characterization of carbonate, silicate, clay, biochar, and other mineral phases formed during soil treatment• Polymer adsorption, crosslinking, gel formation, and polymer–mineral interactions at soil particle surfaces• Organic–inorganic hybrid materials and composite formulations for water-resistant and erosion-resistant interfaces• Surface chemistry, functional groups, wettability, adhesion, and interfacial bonding between soil particles and protective materials• Structure–property relationships linking porosity, particle morphology, pore connectivity, and microstructure to hydraulic stability and scour resistance• Chemical and structural degradation under wetting–drying cycles, water-level fluctuations, rainfall infiltration, and hydraulic loading• Swelling, shrinkage, slaking, dissolution, recrystallization, and microcrack development in treated soils and surface-protection layers• Functionalization and solid-state modification of fibers, biochar, cellulose, chitosan, and other bio-based materials• Mineral–microbe–plant interactions, including root exudate effects, microbial mineralization, and biologically mediated changes in surface chemistry• Waste-derived and low-carbon materials, including their synthesis, interfacial reaction mechanisms, environmental safety, and life-cycle performance• Multiscale characterization using spectroscopy, microscopy, diffraction, thermal analysis, and imaging, supported by modelling and field validation Topic editors: Li Wang, Liangchao Zou, Lulu Liu, Yuanyuan He Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84641/solid-state-chemistry-of-innovative-materials-for-slope-erosion-resistance