Guide for authors

 

About the Journal

Aims and Scope

The Journal of Materials and Electronic Devices (JMED) publishes high-quality theoretical, experimental, and computational research covering the full spectrum of materials science and electronic device technology. Submissions should provide clear scientific insight into the underlying physical, chemical, or engineering principles governing material behavior and device performance.

Topics of Interest Include, but Are Not Limited to:

• Functional and Structural Materials

  • Metals, ceramics, polymers, composites

  • Semiconductors, oxides, nitride-based materials

  • High-entropy alloys and advanced multifunctional materials

  • Electronic, optical, thermal, and magnetic property studies

• Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices

  • Thin-film transistors, diodes, sensors, and photodetectors

  • Light-emitting devices, photovoltaics, and energy-harvesting systems

  • RF and microwave components

  • Device modeling, optimization, and reliability studies

• Nanomaterials and Nanoscale Devices

  • Nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes, 2D materials

  • Quantum dots, quantum wells, nanoelectronic and nano-optoelectronic devices

  • Surface functionalization and nanoscale characterization

• Materials for Energy and Sustainable Technologies

  • Battery and supercapacitor materials

  • Thermoelectrics and piezoelectrics

  • Materials for hydrogen storage and fuel cells

• Advanced Characterization and Fabrication Techniques

  • Electron microscopy, spectroscopy, scanning probe methods

  • Thin-film deposition, additive manufacturing, lithography

  • In situ/operando characterization of devices and materials

• Computational and Data-Driven Materials Research

  • Density functional theory, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations

  • Electronic structure and transport modeling

  • Machine learning and high-throughput screening for materials and device discovery

During the submission process, authors should select one of the following sections that best matches their manuscript:

  • Electronic Devices

  • Materials for Energy Applications

  • Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology

  • Optoelectronic and Photonic Materials

  • Computational Materials Science

  • Functional Materials and Characterization

  • Advanced Manufacturing and Processing

Guide for Authors

Detailed submission instructions are available in our official Guide for Authors. For further assistance, please contact our Support Center.

Article Types

Original Research Articles

Original Research Articles present complete, high-impact studies that significantly advance knowledge in materials or device science. Articles should clearly explain the importance, novelty, and rigor of the work for a broad readership within the materials and electronic device communities.

  • Essential experimental, theoretical, or computational methodologies must appear in the main text; additional details may be placed in the supplementary information.

  • Reproducibility is required, and all data, parameters, and procedures must be sufficiently described.

  • No strict length limits, though typical papers include 3000–6000 words, 3–6 figures, and 30–50 references.

Review Articles

Review articles provide comprehensive, tutorial-style overviews of established or emerging research fields. They should present a balanced discussion, highlight key progress, and identify future challenges.

Typical length: 4000–8000 words, 6–10 figures, and 50–120 references.

Mini-Reviews

Mini-Reviews offer concise surveys of recent advances, with an emphasis on developments within the past five years. They should outline trends, summarize important results, and offer perspectives on future research directions.

Typical length: 1500–3000 words, 3–5 figures, and 30–50 references.

Letters to the Editor

Letters may address scientific issues, comment on previously published articles, or provide brief discussions of urgent research findings. Letters must be clearly justified, respectful in tone, and limited to 1–2 pages.

Published letters and replies (when applicable) appear together in the journal.

Peer Review

JMED employs a single-anonymized peer-review process. After an initial editorial assessment for relevance and quality, submissions are typically reviewed by at least two independent experts. Editorial decisions are based on scientific merit, clarity, and impact.

Editors do not participate in the evaluation of manuscripts in which they have a conflict of interest (authorship, collaboration, financial interest, etc.). Such manuscripts are handled independently following our ethical guidelines.

Authors may appeal editorial decisions once, following the procedures described in the publisher’s Appeal Policy.

Special Issues and Collections

Special issues follow the same rigorous review standards as regular submissions. Guest Editors may oversee the review process and recommend decisions, but the final responsibility for acceptance or rejection lies with the journal’s editorial leadership.

Open Access

Authors may choose between traditional subscription-based publishing or open-access publication. Details and fees are provided on the journal’s Open Access Information Page.

Ethics and Policies

Ethics in Publishing

All authors must adhere to the publisher’s ethics guidelines. Misconduct—including plagiarism, data fabrication, image manipulation, and inappropriate authorship—will result in editorial action.

Submission Declaration

Submission implies that:

  • The work is original and has not been previously published except for preprints, conference abstracts, theses, or registered reports.

  • The manuscript is not under consideration elsewhere.

  • All authors approve the submission and the conclusions presented.

  • The article will not be published in the same form elsewhere without written permission.

Authorship

Each author must have contributed substantially to:

  1. Study conception, design, data acquisition, or analysis

  2. Drafting or critical revision

  3. Final approval of the submitted manuscript

  4. Responsibility for accuracy and integrity of the work

The corresponding author manages communication with the journal.

Authorship Changes

  • Changes to the author list after submission are discouraged.

  • Any request (addition, removal, rearrangement) must be approved by the Editor and supported by written agreement from all authors.

  • Post-acceptance changes are considered only in exceptional circumstances and may require publication of a corrigendum.

  • Unauthorized changes may lead to rejection or retraction.

Declaration of Competing Interests

All authors must disclose any potential conflicts, including:

  • Employment or consulting relationships

  • Financial interests (grants, stocks, honoraria)

  • Patents or patent applications

  • Editorial roles within the journal or publisher

Authors without conflicts may declare: “I have no competing interests to report.”

A Word document containing the declarations (.doc/.docx) must be uploaded during submission. Signatures are not required.

 

Funding and Disclosure Requirements

Funding Information

Authors must clearly identify all organizations, agencies, or institutions that provided financial support for the research or for the preparation of the manuscript. When applicable, the submission must describe the specific role of each sponsor in aspects such as study design, data collection, data interpretation, manuscript writing, or the decision to submit for publication.

If funding bodies were not involved in any stage of the work, authors should explicitly state this.

Standard format example:

Funding:
This study was supported by the National Science Foundation [grant numbers XXXX, YYYY]; the European Research Council [grant number ZZZZ]; and the Korea Institute for Materials Research [grant number AAAA].

Detailed descriptions of individual grant programs or scholarship types are not required. When funding originates from general institutional resources (e.g., university block grants), authors should list the institution as the funding source.

If the work was conducted without external financial support, authors may include the following statement:

This study received no specific financial support from public, commercial, or non-profit funding agencies.

Declaration of Generative AI Use

Any use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools during manuscript preparation must be transparently disclosed at the time of submission.

JMED acknowledges that AI-based tools can assist authors in tasks such as organizing content, refining language, summarizing literature, or generating initial ideas. However, these tools must always be used responsibly and with human oversight. AI systems cannot replace expert judgment and should never act as authors.

Authors are fully responsible for the integrity and accuracy of all content in their manuscript, including content produced with AI support. This includes:

  • Critically verifying all AI-generated text and ensuring it is accurate and unbiased.

  • Ensuring interpretations, analyses, and conclusions originate from the authors themselves.

  • Confirming that no confidential, sensitive, or proprietary data have been submitted to AI tools in violation of institutional or legal requirements.

  • Disclosing the use of AI Tools in a dedicated section.

AI tools must not be listed as authors.

Required disclosure format

Section title: Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies

Example statement:
During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [TOOL NAME] to [SPECIFY PURPOSE, e.g., improve language clarity or assist with structure]. After using the tool, the authors thoroughly reviewed and edited the text and take full responsibility for all content included in this work.

Use of simple grammar- and spell-checking tools does not require disclosure.

Note: Reviewers and editors are currently prohibited from using generative AI tools in the evaluation of manuscripts.

Preprints

Sharing Preprints

Authors are permitted to share preprints in accordance with the publisher’s article sharing policies. Making a manuscript publicly available on a preprint server before peer review does not constitute prior publication.

Please consult the publisher’s guidelines on duplicate or concurrent submissions.

SSRN Preprint Posting Service

JMED supports open science through an optional free preprint posting service via SSRN.

During submission, authors may choose to have their manuscript posted on SSRN after the initial editorial screening. Advantages include:

  • Assignment of an early preprint DOI

  • Automatic linking between the preprint and the final published version

  • Public visibility, early feedback, and increased citation potential

This choice does not influence editorial decisions. Authors must ensure that all co-authors approve posting the work publicly before submission.

Use of Inclusive Language

Authors must ensure their manuscripts reflect inclusive, respectful, and unbiased language. Manuscripts should avoid expressions that imply superiority or inferiority on the basis of:

  • Age

  • Gender

  • Race or ethnicity

  • Cultural background

  • Disabilities or health conditions

  • Sexual orientation

Use gender-neutral terms whenever possible and avoid unnecessary descriptions of personal characteristics. Avoid stereotypes, slang, or culturally biased phrasing. These guidelines support respectful scientific communication and enhance clarity for an international readership.

Sex- and Gender-Based Reporting

When research involves humans, animals, or eukaryotic cells, authors should incorporate sex- and gender-based analysis when appropriate and consistent with field standards or funder requirements.

Authors should:

  • Explicitly define the terms “sex” and “gender” as used in their study

  • Explain how these variables were considered in design, analysis, and interpretation

  • State clearly when sex or gender is not relevant to the research

For additional guidance, authors may consult the SAGER (Sex and Gender Equity in Research) guidelines.

Jurisdictional and Institutional Representation

Maps

Maps included in manuscripts should clearly depict only the geographical area studied. Authors must add the note:

“Map boundaries represent the study area and may not reflect internationally recognized borders.”

Editors may request revisions if maps do not comply with these guidelines.

Affiliations

Authors must use standardized and verifiable names for institutions. Full official titles or widely recognized abbreviations should be used.

Writing and Formatting Guidelines

File Formats

Submissions must be provided in editable formats:

  • Word: .doc or .docx

  • LaTeX: .tex files with all associated source components

PDF files may not be used as primary submission files.

Other requirements:

  • Single-column formatting for Word manuscripts

  • No tracked changes, underlines, or strikeouts unless scientifically relevant

  • Use spell-check and grammar-check before submission

LaTeX users are strongly encouraged to use the journal’s recommended template.

Title Page Requirements

The title page must include:

  • A clear, descriptive article title (avoid unnecessary abbreviations and formulas)

  • Full names of all authors

  • Complete institutional affiliations with superscript lettering

  • Email addresses of all authors and identification of the corresponding author

  • Present addresses for authors who have moved (listed in footnotes)

Abstract

The abstract (maximum 250 words) must concisely describe:

  • Purpose of the study

  • Key methods or approach

  • Main findings

  • Primary conclusions

Avoid references and uncommon abbreviations unless necessary.

Keywords

Provide 1–7 keywords avoiding long, multi-word phrases or uncommon abbreviations. Keywords should assist in indexing and discoverability.

Highlights

Authors must submit 3–5 bullet points (max 85 characters each) summarizing the novel findings and methodological innovations of the work. Highlights must be uploaded as a separate editable file.

Graphical Abstract

A graphical abstract is encouraged to visually summarize the paper’s central concept. Requirements:

  • Minimum image size: 531 × 1328 px

  • Acceptable formats: TIFF, EPS, PDF, or MS Office

  • Must follow copyright and generative AI usage policies

  • Submit as a separate file

Mathematical Expressions

  • Provide equations as editable text

  • Use inline formatting for simple terms

  • Use a solidus (/) for small fractions

  • Italicize variables

  • Number displayed equations sequentially

Tables

  • Submit as editable text only

  • Number tables consecutively

  • Provide captions and table notes

  • Avoid shading and vertical lines

  • Ensure tables complement rather than duplicate the manuscript text

Figures, Images, and Visual Materials

General Requirements

All visual materials—including figures, photographs, diagrams, artwork, and other graphics—must be uploaded as separate files during submission. Authors should refer to the detailed media preparation guidelines provided by the journal.

When preparing and submitting visual content:

  • • Every figure or image must be cited within the text.
  • • Number figures according to the order in which they appear.
  • • Submit each figure as an individual file, using clear and consistent file names (e.g., Figure1, Figure2).
  • • Provide captions for all visual elements.
  • • Text-based graphics may be embedded directly in the manuscript; LaTeX users may embed text graphics within the source file if preferred.

 

Acceptable Artwork Formats and Resolution

Once artwork is finalized, export or save it using the formats and resolution standards listed below. These requirements ensure quality reproduction in both print and digital versions.

Vector Graphics

  • • Save as: EPS or PDF
  • • Ensure that fonts are embedded or convert the text to curves/shapes.

Photographic Images (color or grayscale halftones)

  • • Save as: TIFF, JPG, or PNG
  • • Minimum resolution: 300 dpi
    • o Single-column width: ≥ 1063 px
    • o Full-page width: ≥ 2244 px

Bitmapped Line Drawings

    • • Save as: TIFF, JPG, or PNG
    • • Minimum resolution: 1000 dpi
    • o Single-column width: ≥ 3543 px
    • o Full-page width: ≥ 7480 px

Mixed Graphics (line drawing + halftone)

    • • Save as: TIFF, JPG, or PNG
    • • Minimum resolution: 500 dpi
    • o Single-column width: ≥ 1772 px
    • o Full-page width: ≥ 3740 px

Do Not Submit

    • • Low-resolution images intended only for screen display (GIF, BMP, PICT, WPG, etc.)
    • • Images scaled disproportionately compared to accompanying text (this may render labels unreadable)

 

Figure Captions

Every image must be accompanied by a clear caption. Captions should include:

    • • A short, descriptive title (not printed on the figure itself)
    • • A concise explanation of what the image illustrates
    • • Definitions of any symbols or abbreviations used

All captions should be submitted in a separate file.

 

Use of Color

Color figures that are suitable for publication will be presented in color in the online version. Authors should ensure color choices are accessible to readers with color-vision deficiencies; resources on accessible color design are available.

 

Generative AI Use in Figures and Artwork

The journal follows Elsevier’s GenAI policy, which states:

    • • Generative AI and AI-assisted tools must not be used to create or modify figures, images, or artwork submitted as part of a manuscript.
    • • Exceptions are permitted only when AI-based image generation or processing is inherently part of the study methodology.
    • o In such cases, authors must clearly document the tool/model name, version, parameters, and manufacturer within the Methods section.
    • • Generative AI tools may not be used to produce graphical abstracts.
    • • AI-generated cover art may be allowed only with prior editorial approval, documented permissions, and appropriate attribution.

 

Supplementary Materials

To enrich the research and improve transparency, authors may submit supplementary materials such as datasets, additional images, application files, or audio.

Guidelines:

    • • Supplementary content must be scientifically relevant and accurate.
    • • All supplementary items must be cited within the manuscript.
    • • Files are published online exactly as submitted (no reformatting will be performed).
    • • Provide meaningful captions for each supplementary file.
    • • Replacement files may be submitted during revision if needed; do not annotate or alter previously submitted versions.
    • • Turn off track changes in all Microsoft Office files to avoid accidental publication of edits.

 

Video and Animation Content

The journal accepts video clips and animations that support the scientific narrative.

Submission recommendations:

    • • Reference the video or animation clearly in the manuscript at the appropriate location.
    • • Name files in a way that reflects their content.
    • • Use recommended video formats and keep files below 150 MB each (1 GB total).
    • • Provide a still image (thumbnail) for each video.
    • • Describe video content within the manuscript to ensure accessibility for visually impaired readers and for print versions.

All videos and animations will be published with the online version of the article.

 

Research Data Policy

This journal supports transparency and reproducibility through data availability.
Research data includes:
experimental measurements, observations, software, code, models, protocols, and other materials that support the findings.

The journal follows Option C of Elsevier’s data guidelines:

    • • Authors must deposit their data in an appropriate public repository.
    • • The dataset must be cited and linked within the manuscript.
    • • If data cannot be shared (e.g., privacy or confidentiality restrictions), authors must include a statement explaining why.

Data Availability Statement

A data availability statement is required upon submission and will be published with the article. This statement should specify:

    • • Whether the data are publicly accessible
    • • Repository and persistent identifiers
    • • If data cannot be shared, the reason (e.g., sensitive patient information)

 

Data Linking

Linking datasets to the corresponding article enhances visibility and facilitates reuse.

Ways to link data:

    • • Add repository links during submission.
    • • Repositories integrated with ScienceDirect may display banners alongside the article.
    • • Use identifiers directly in the text (e.g., PDB: 1XFN, CCDC: 734053).

 

Research Elements

Authors may also publish associated research components (data, methods, software, hardware) in Elsevier’s Research Elements journals. These peer-reviewed, open-access journals focus on making research components easily discoverable and reusable.

During submission, authors may be invited to submit related materials to a Research Elements journal.

 

Co-Submission with Data in Brief or MethodsX

Authors are encouraged to submit a companion article describing datasets, methods, or protocols.

Guidelines:

    • • Prepare a separate manuscript using the official template.
    • • Upload it as an additional file during submission.
    • • Accepted companion articles will be linked on ScienceDirect.
    • • Article Processing Charges (APCs) depend on author-specific details and are shown only after acceptance.

 

Article Structure

Section Numbering

Organize the manuscript using numbered sections (e.g., 1, 1.1, 1.1.1). Use the numbering system when referring to sections within the text. The abstract should remain unnumbered.

Theory and Calculations

The Theory section should expand on the introduction and provide conceptual foundations. Calculations should demonstrate how the theoretical background is applied and developed.

Glossary

Include definitions of specialized terminology in a separate glossary section.

 

Acknowledgments

Recognize contributions from collaborators or individuals who assisted with editing, proofreading, or technical help. This section must be placed before the reference list and not included in the title page or footnotes.

 

Author Contributions (CRediT Taxonomy)

The corresponding author must specify each co-author’s role based on the CRediT system. Possible contributions include:

    • • Conceptualization
    • • Data curation
    • • Formal analysis
    • • Funding acquisition
    • • Investigation
    • • Methodology
    • • Project administration
    • • Resources
    • • Software
    • • Supervision
    • • Validation
    • • Visualization
    • • Writing – original draft
    • • Writing – review & editing

Not all roles must be used; authors may appear in multiple roles.

 

Funding Statement

Authors must disclose all sources of financial support. When applicable, describe the involvement of funders in the design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, writing, or submission decisions. If funders had no role, state this explicitly.

Example format:

Funding:
This research was funded by the European Commission [grant IDs XXXX, YYYY], the Global Health Foundation [grant ZZZZ], and the Institute for Peace Studies [grant AAAA].

Do not include detailed program descriptions. For institutional financial support (e.g., university resources), simply list the supporting institution.

No Funding Statement (Rewritten Version)

If your research did not receive financial support from any organization, you may include the following statement:

“This research received no specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.”

 

Appendices (Rewritten Explanation)

Please structure your appendices as follows:

  • • Label each appendix using capital letters (A, B, C, ...).
  • • Number equations independently within each appendix (e.g., Eq. (A.1), Eq. (A.2); in the next appendix: Eq. (B.1), Eq. (B.2), etc.).
  • • Tables and figures should follow the same format (e.g., Table A.1; Fig. A.1).

 

References (Rewritten Overview)

All sources cited in the text must appear in the reference list, and all items in the reference list must be cited in the text. Key points:

  • • Any references cited in the abstract must be listed in full.
  • • Unpublished material and personal communications should generally be mentioned only in the text, not in the reference list. If included, use “unpublished results” or “personal communication” in place of a date.
  • • “In press” references indicate that the work has been accepted for publication.
  • • Ensure that all bibliographic details are accurate to allow proper linking through indexing services.
  • • Use of DOIs is recommended.
  • • The journal will apply its reference style after acceptance and may request missing or corrected information at that stage.

Citation Style:
References should be cited using numbers in square brackets (e.g., [3,6]). Authors may be mentioned by name in the text but must always be followed by the reference number (e.g., Barnaby and Jones [8]).
List references in the order in which they appear in your manuscript.

 

Submission Checklist (Rewritten Summary)

Before submitting, ensure the following:

  • • A corresponding author is designated, with complete contact information.
  • • All required files have been uploaded, including tables, figure captions, keywords, and any supplementary materials.
  • • Spelling, grammar, and formatting have been checked.
  • • All in-text citations appear in the reference list and vice versa.
  • • Permissions have been obtained for any copyrighted content.
  • • For open access submissions, all authors understand the APC responsibility if the article is accepted.

 

Cover Letter (Rewritten Guidance)

Your cover letter should be brief, clear, and focused:

  • • Summarize the main aim of your study and its key findings.
  • • Explain how the work aligns with the journal’s scope.
  • • Highlight the novelty and significance of the research.
  • • Acknowledge if the submission was invited.
  • • Do not include funding information, author declarations, or reviewer suggestions unless specifically requested.

 

Author Support (Rewritten Closing Section)

If you have questions about the editorial or submission process, or need technical assistance, please visit Elsevier’s Journal Article Publishing Support Center. There you can find answers to common questions such as:

  • • How can I monitor the status of my submitted manuscript?
  • • When can I expect my article to be published?