The New Paradigm Toward Design of Next-Generation Sustainable Organic Solar Cells

The major challenge for next-generation solar cells consists of the creation of a new paradigm switching from nonrenewable manufacturing to sustainable processes. In this framework, organic and/or low-dimensional materials may offer a unique opportunity to lead the electronics industry in an environmentally safe direction.
Organic solar cells (OSCs) represent future low-cost and environmentally friendly sources of energy. Organic semiconductors (such as pi-conjugated polymers, small organic molecules or low-dimensional materials), liable for absorbing light and transporting charge in OSC devices, are unfortunately not yet routinely synthesized by using manufacturing strategies accompanied by low environmental impact.

The aim of this Research Topic is to focus attention on the major findings based on new green strategies for producing next-generation organic semiconductors and low-dimensional materials. Including reaction methodologies which are distinguished by low cost, mild conditions and minimal production of toxic waste on the laboratory scale.
Besides the wide exertion of research on developing new sustainable energy materials through green methodologies, also efforts in characterization methods are essential not only to investigate the physical and chemical properties of materials but also to comprehend the operative mechanisms of resulting devices.

The scope of the Research Topic is to collect full-length original research manuscripts and/or reviews concerning the new findings related both to green synthetic processes and in operando/in-situ characterization techniques of new materials that can assist in the development of sustainable energy technologies and aid the design and the optimization of next-generation sustainable organic solar cells.
Particular attention will be paid to green synthetic strategies including, for example, avoiding protecting groups, using catalysis in place of stoichiometric reagents, producing little waste and generating environmentally harmless byproducts, and having a small carbon footprint.
Commonly exploited structural and morphological characterization methods applied to energy materials include, for example, spectroscopies, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron microscopies, X-ray scattering and imaging techniques. The Research Topic will be especially focused on how X-ray techniques (also based on synchrotrons and novel light sources) can be qualitatively and quantitatively exploited for the characterization of materials. Indeed, taking advantage of X-rays high penetration, in-operando and/or in-situ experiments can be properly set up to shed light on tracking the samples' qualitative and quantitative changes during operation.