Gels

Organogels, hydrogels, and ionic gels were investigated both theoretically and experimentally in this reprint. Detailed research was focused on both their synthesis and their applications in high-performance chemistry and its important branches. On this occasion, the proposed keywords, respectively, organogels, hydrogels, ionic gels, chitosan, and fractal analysis, which were considered extremely significant and valuable, were addressed in great technical detail in this innovative scientific study. Consequently, all these reference themes, as well as those inherently associated with them, were approached and synthesized. The employment of xerogels for different applications was also investigated through a plethora of scientific means, such as gravimetrical measurements, SEM imaging, and fractal analysis of SEM pictures. The fractal analysis of such gels was pioneered and thoroughly examined by Prof. Viorel-Puiu Paun in this Special Issue and other past publications of his. Images were scrutinized and reviewed by cleverly calculating the fractal dimension and the lacunarity as a quantitative measure of the homogeneity of the material and its texture through their topological analysis. Moreover, interest-worthy aspects using different types of gels in reinforcement, flood prevention, ecological restoration, combustion enhancement, corrosion protection, acoustic propagation, electrochemical storage, synthesis of nanoparticles, gas sensing, ozone detection, the evaluation of coatings, the development of concrete, and obtaining magnetic nanoparticles were considered in the scientific papers included in this Special Issue.