Advanced Functional Crystals
Advanced Functional Crystals
Advanced Functional Crystals is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary journal dedicated to advancing the science and engineering of functional crystals. The journal covers the entire lifecycle of crystal...
Advanced Functional Crystals is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary journal dedicated to advancing the science and engineering of functional crystals. The journal covers the entire lifecycle of crystalline materials, including crystal design, controlled growth, property engineering, advanced characterization, theoretical modeling, and device integration.
The journal publishes high-quality original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and forward-looking perspectives in functional crystals and related interdisciplinary fields. It aims to provide an international platform for rapid academic exchange and to promote fundamental discoveries, technological innovations, and transformative applications in crystal science.
The Scope includes:
Section A – Functional Crystal Design and Property Engineering
This section focuses on functional crystals exhibiting optical, electrical, magnetic, acoustic, mechanical, thermal, and coupled multifunctional properties. It highlights rational crystal design, controlled synthesis and growth, compositional and structural modulation, and optimization of functional performance. Topics include, but are not limited to, optical functional crystals (laser crystals, nonlinear optical crystals, scintillation crystals, and related materials), ferroelectric and piezoelectric crystals, semiconductor crystals, quantum and topological crystals, as well as crystals for energy conversion, sensing, and advanced detection.
Section B – Advanced Characterization and Computational Modeling
This section focuses on advanced characterization methodologies and theoretical approaches for understanding crystalline materials across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Topics include crystal structures, defects and disorder, fundamental physicochemical properties, optical, electronic, magnetic, acoustic, and spectroscopic behaviors, as well as theoretical simulations, computational materials science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence-assisted crystal discovery and design.
Section C – Crystal Growth and Engineering
This section focuses on fundamental theories, innovative methodologies, and advanced technologies related to crystal nucleation, growth kinetics, interface evolution, and morphology control. Topics include bulk single-crystal growth techniques, such as melt growth, solution growth, and vapor-phase growth, as well as emerging crystal engineering approaches including single-crystal fiber growth, thin-film deposition, epitaxial growth, controlled synthesis of micro/nanocrystals, and scalable manufacturing of functional crystalline materials.
Section D – Functional Crystal Devices and Applications
This section focuses on the integration of functional crystals into advanced devices and systems, highlighting the transition from materials innovation to practical technologies. Topics include photonics, electronics, energy conversion and storage, biomedical imaging and healthcare technologies, sensing and detection, quantum information and quantum computing, and other emerging applications. The section emphasizes device integration, system-level performance, and the translation of functional crystal technologies toward real-world and industrial applications.
Society affiliation
Founded in 1928 as the Engineering Institute of National Central Academy, SICCAS has evolved into a dynamic institution dedicated to advanced inorganic nonmetallic materials research. In 1959, the Institute was separated into two independent Institutes. The ceramic part was reformed as the Shanghai Institute of Ceramic Chemistry and Technology, and...
Founded in 1928 as the Engineering Institute of National Central Academy, SICCAS has evolved into a dynamic institution dedicated to advanced inorganic nonmetallic materials research. In 1959, the Institute was separated into two independent Institutes. The ceramic part was reformed as the Shanghai Institute of Ceramic Chemistry and Technology, and then was renamed as the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics since the year of 1984.
SICCAS stands as a beacon of excellence in both pioneering basic research and innovative applied research, focusing on a diverse array of research areas. These include high performance ceramics and superfine microstructures, structural ceramics and composites, inorganic functional materials and devices, energy materials, inorganic coatings, artificial crystals, biomaterials and tissue engineering, environmentally friendly materials, the analysis and characterization of inorganic materials, and the technological study of industrial ceramics and ancient Chinese ceramics.
With a legacy marked by over nine decades of impactful contributions, SICCAS has garnered international acclaim, receiving 55 national-level awards, hundreds of CAS, ministerial, and provincial awards, and more than 400 scientific and technical prizes. In addition to hold approximately 3017 valid patents, we rank among the top 10 institutes in China for the number of citations in SCI-indexed papers.
Our Institute boasts a talented and diverse staff of over 750 individuals, including two CAS academician, three CAE academicians, and approximately 659 scientific researchers and technicians. SICCAS prioritizes the development of the next generation of materials scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, and has been authorized to grant Ph.D and Master’s degrees, along with hosting a circulating post-doctorate station.
SICCAS has cultivated extensive global partnerships with renowned universities, institutes, and enterprises. Collaborations span continents, with joint labs established alongside organizations such as the Max Planck Institute (Germany), the National Institute for Materials Science (Japan), and the Academy of Science and Technology (South Korea). Noteworthy collaborations also include joint labs with industry giants like Sony and Corning, and over one hundred cooperative agreements with organizations such as General Electric, CERN, and Samsung. In 2010, SICCAS became a proud member of the International Energy Association.
Hosting numerous international conferences on modern ceramic technology, SICCAS has established itself as a global leader in the field. Notably, the Institute has organized the International Symposium on Ancient Ceramics since 1982, solidifying its status as the world’s foremost platform for exchanging knowledge in ancient ceramics research.
Encouraging a culture of international exchange, SICCAS facilitates researchers’ participation in global programs and welcomes international researchers to engage in cooperative research or provide academic lectures. Over the years, esteemed individuals, including Nobel Prize winners Samuel Chao Chung Ting, Tsung-Dao Lee, and Ei-ichi Negishi, have graced our Institute with their visit.
