Structure - Property Relationships in Nanostructured Materials

A fundamental concept in condensed matter physics and materials science is the interplay between the structure and characteristics. This intersection becomes more pronounced at the nanoscale because of the quantum confinement, large surface-to-volume ratios, and size-dependent effects. This research topic aims to offer a targeted platform for improving the understanding of how the nanoscaled structural characteristics affect the material's performance, including the mechanical, chemical, electrical, and physical properties, and how these links can be advantageous to design new functional systems in the future.Nanoparticles, nanowires, thin films, and nanocomposites are examples of nanostructured materials that display distinct behaviours that set them apart from their bulk counterparts. They are specified by their reduced dimensionality, surface and contact effects, defects, and local structural heterogeneities. This topic encourages the contributions that investigate the synthesis, characterisation, and theoretical modelling of such materials, with an emphasis on connecting structural features with quantifiable properties.Nanoparticle-related submissions are encouraged, especially those that examine the effects of size, shape, crystallinity, and surface chemistry on optical, catalytic, magnetic, and electronic properties. Also, research on nanocomposites that investigates the effect of interfaces, phase distribution, and nanoscale distribution on macroscopic performance, like mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal behaviour, is highly recommended.Another significant field covered by this topic is the low-dimensional and thin-film systems. The confinement and the interface effects in such systems can result in unique phenomena. Semiconducting and magnetic nanoparticles are encouraged, reporting the emergence of their functionalities due to the structural alteration. Additionally, studies on heterostructure design, strain effects, and defect engineering are very interesting.A special focus on nanostructured superconducting materials is also requested. The connection between structure and superconducting characteristics provides both technological prospects and basic insights. Thin film, nanowire, multilayer, and hybrid heterostructure contributions on superconductors are encouraged. The impacts of reduced dimensionality, disorder, strain, and interface effects on critical temperature, critical current density, coherence length, and vortex dynamics are among the areas of interest. Investigations into quantum phase transitions, flux pinning mechanisms, and the formation of new superconducting states in constrained geometries are highly recommended. Research exploring the integration of superconducting nanostructures into quantum devices, sensors, and energy-efficient technologies also aligns with the scope of this topic.Additionally, research using enhanced characterisation methods that may probe structure-property connections with high spatial and temporal resolution is of great interest. These include spectroscopic instruments, electron microscopy, scanning probe techniques, synchrotron-based methods, and in situ and operando methods that record dynamic processes. To gain a deeper understanding of the underlying dynamics, complementary computational initiatives are also encouraged, ranging from multiscale modelling and data-driven techniques to first-principles calculations.The overall goal of this research topic is to highlight the importance of nanoscale structure in controlling and optimizing the material properties, thereby bridging fundamental understanding and practical application. It aims to promote innovation in the design of nanostructured materials for applications in energy, electronics, sensing, catalysis, and other fields by bringing together interdisciplinary contributions. Topic editors: Khulud Habanjar, Musa Doğruer Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81632/structure---property-relationships-in-nanostructured-materials