Special Session 4

SPECIAL SESSION #4

Ilaria Citro

IPCF - National Research Council, Italy

• ilaria.citro@cnr.it

Alessandro Sinopoli

University of Messina, Italy

• alessandro.sinopoli@unime.it

As the global demand for sustainable energy solutions intensifies, cutting-edge materials and advanced technologies are shaping the future of renewable energy conversion and storage. This special session will explore the latest breakthroughs in photovoltaics, photocatalysis, fuel cells, and optoelectronic materials, highlighting their role in driving a green energy transition. Topics will include novel solar cell architectures beyond silicon, next-generation photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction and hydrogen production, and emerging energy storage solutions. We will also delve into smart nanomaterials for optoelectronic applications, advanced characterization techniques for energy materials, and sustainable strategies for material recycling and integration into circular economies.

By bringing together leading experts from academia and industry, this session will provide a platform for discussing challenges, innovations, and future directions in energy research. Whether exploring new avenues in photonic energy harvesting, high-efficiency fuel cells, or AI-driven energy management, this session will showcase the latest advancements that are shaping the future of clean and efficient energy technologies.

• Next-Generation Photovoltaics: Beyond Silicon
• Smart Nanomaterials for Optoelectronic Applications
• Sustainable Hydrogen Production and Fuel Cells
• Advanced Photocatalytic Systems for Solar Fuel Production
• Energy Storage Solutions for a Green Future
• Advanced Characterization Techniques for Energy Materials
• Circular Economy and Sustainable Energy Materials
• Smart Energy Systems

The research activity of Dr. Citro focuses primarily on the study, development, and characterization of third-generation solar cells (DSSCs). The activity leverages natural materials, biomimetics, metal complexes, and even quantum technologies integrated into the device’s structure. Furthermore, the activity of synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of nanostructured materials is highlighted, in addition to the study of electron transfer processes and solar energy conversion.

Dr. Alessandro Sinopoli is a tenure-track researcher at the University of Messina, specializing in the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials for catalysis and optoelectronic applications. His research spans CO₂ conversion, and methane valorization, with a strong focus on MOFs, nanomaterials, and photocatalytic systems. Previously, he was a Research Scientist at Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), where he led projects on carbon capture, utilization, and solar-driven chemical transformations.
Dr. Sinopoli has authored 51 peer-reviewed papers, one book chapter, and five patent applications, with an h-index of 19 and over 1,490 citations. He has supervised numerous graduate and undergraduate students and actively participates in international collaborations and scientific conferences.