The continuous population growth, increasing global demand for energy, and the challenge of reducing carbon emissions have prompted the development of numerous alternative energy technologies, emphasizing renewable sources. Next-generation optoelectronic and photovoltaic (PV) technologies are viable in this direction. And materials are very crucial components of this journey. Our lab relies on different organic and hybrid semiconductor materials to contribute to this quest in two significant ways: fundamental understanding of the science and contribution to large-scale technology at the laboratory level, which is vital for the imminent deployment of these technologies. We also look beyond the technologies and try to understand issues revolving around them within our society, looking at the sources of the raw materials in relation to the environment where they are mined and energy transition in general.

Organic, polymer, hybrid perovskite, quantum dots, etc., semiconductor materials are crucial for emerging sustainable solution-processed energy technologies. In addition, they are viable for applications on rigid and flexible surfaces. This development led to the recent creation of some technological companies. The rise of such companies is partly attributed to the scientific community’s efforts. Meaning these efforts must be maintained and sustained. This research track aims to leverage the choice of materials, layer composition, and processing as crucial parameters to realize efficient and sustainable energy devices through thin-film nano-morphology control and device engineering.

Processing and associated approaches are vital to finding solutions for current bottlenecks to these technologies. The deposition of thin films is highly dependent on the materials and substrates. Organic/hybrid semiconductors are produced on cheap substrates such as paper, metal foil, plastic, and glass. Metal foils and plastics are particularly attractive for future application designs on flexible surfaces. This research track focuses on (quasi-industrial) low-cost processing and fabrication of organic and/or hybrid organic-inorganic semiconductors for stable and reliable PV and optoelectronic devices.

The impacts of energy resources and technology deployment on society can be very conflicting. While the positive impacts are palpable, the negative ones can sometimes go unnoticed. However, they can be devastating, mostly due to mining some of the minerals used in these technologies. Research in this area is crucial to remain informed and understand the situation, create a balance between these activities and the environment, inform policies at the local and national levels, and find pertinent solutions to the problems. This research track looks at the impacts of energy resource deployment, gadgets, and mineral mining on the environment, especially in remote communities in the United States and Africa. The focus will be on i) environmental impacts such as landscape, air, water bodies, and infrastructures; ii) health impacts; and iii) economic impacts.