Emerging Nanomaterials for Photovoltaics and Optoelectronics

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Solar Energy and Solar Cells".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 January 2027 | Viewed by 341

Editors


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Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, INSTM UdR Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
Interests: energy-converting materials; MOCVD; sol–gel synthesis; thin-film fabrication; inorganic materials; photovoltaics; material characterization
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Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, INSTM UdR Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
Interests: thin-film growth; structural and morphological characterization; oxide-based materials; engineering of metalorganic complexes; halide perovskite

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past century, nanomaterials have seen incredible progress in many technological areas. Research into the nanoscale has been prompted by the ongoing quest for more functional materials, which has made it possible to create complex structures with unique and tailored characteristics. Specifically, nanoscale engineering has already shown its potential to transform device performance, stability, and scalability in two of the most active fields: photovoltaics and optoelectronics. Emerging Nanomaterials for Photovoltaics and Optoelectronics is a Special Issue that seeks to highlight the most recent advancements in the fabrication of novel nanomaterials and nanotechnologies, exploring the fields of synthesis, engineering, characterization, and advanced applications in these fields. The roles of dimensionality, morphology, surface/interface engineering, and compositional control in adjusting the functional properties of emerging materials, such as metal oxides, perovskites, hybrid structures, and other next-generation systems, will receive particular attention. This Special Issue aims to provide comprehensive insights into how nanomaterials are shaping the future of energy conversion and light-based technologies, and we invite you to share your valuable insights.

Dr. Francesca Lo Presti
Dr. Anna Lucia Pellegrino
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • photovoltaics
  • optoelectronics
  • perovskites
  • metal oxides
  • hybrid nanostructures
  • light harvesting
  • energy conversion
  • device performance
  • advanced characterization

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

14 pages, 958 KB  
Review
Recent Investigations on the Use of Copper Complexes in Photovoltaic Application
by Francesco Fagnani, Alessia Colombo, Dominique Roberto, Federico Turco and Claudia Dragonetti
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(13), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16130830 - 6 Jul 2026
Abstract
Copper complexes have recently emerged as key materials for advancing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) toward more sustainable and high-performance photovoltaic technologies. This minireview summarizes the most significant achievements reported from 2024 onwards, highlighting the multifaceted role of copper in DSSCs as sensitizers, redox [...] Read more.
Copper complexes have recently emerged as key materials for advancing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) toward more sustainable and high-performance photovoltaic technologies. This minireview summarizes the most significant achievements reported from 2024 onwards, highlighting the multifaceted role of copper in DSSCs as sensitizers, redox mediators, and functional components in innovative device architectures. Significant progress has been achieved in all these roles; however, the most remarkable advances concern copper-based redox mediators, where fine-tuning of ligand environments, additives, and electrolyte formulations has enabled excellent efficiencies, exceeding 10%, together with outstanding long-term stability. Developments in aqueous and quasi-solid-state systems further enhance the environmental compatibility and durability of these devices. In addition, novel concepts, including retro cells and copper-based “zombie” DSSCs, demonstrate the versatility of copper chemistry in simplifying device design and enabling new applications. Overall, these findings confirm copper complexes as highly promising earth-abundant alternatives to noble-metal-based systems although further work is still required to optimize light absorption, suppress charge recombination, and improve large-scale device stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Nanomaterials for Photovoltaics and Optoelectronics)
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