Hierarchical structures can be clearly observed in the natural world in the form of self-assembled flower petals, tree trunks and branches. These structures have been emerging as architecture with potentially amazing functions in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

A hierarchical nanostructure is an integrated architecture constructed from small building blocks (nano-units) such as nanoparticles, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes and nanosheets, etc. These nanostructures possess remarkable advantages in all macroscale and nanoscale properties that lead to a formation of abundant open diffusion channels, diverse junction interfaces, and plentiful active sites. The extraordinary properties of hierarchical nanostructures that provide new opportunities to design superior active catalysts, ultra-sensitive sensors, and excellent adsorption materials for various technological applications.

The Special Issue will provide a forum to present the current research results concerning new synthetic approaches and advanced applications of hierarchical nanostructured materials. We particularly welcome researchers who are interested in original studies that include both novel synthetic strategies and important applications of hierarchical nanomaterials. In addition, we invite authors to submit review articles that provide the state of the art and future directions of hierarchical nanostructured materials.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• New synthetic strategies of hierarchical nanostructures
• Investigations of unique physical and chemical properties of hierarchical nanostructured materials
• Advanced applications of as-synthesized hierarchical nanostructured materials in various fields such as gas sensing, biosensing, catalysis, adsorption, and so on
• Exploration of functions of hierarchical organization in natural materials