Organic π‐Conjugated Molecules: From Nature to Artificial Applications. Where are the Boundaries?

Abstract

Abstract Natural or nature‐inspired molecules play a key role in many modern applications as they may imitate nature in the efficiency with which it works in a different spectrum of biological processes. One of the biggest challenges today is to make efficient use of renewable energy sources, that are lagging behind conventional technologies on a global scale. One form of this renewable energy is solar energy which can be garnered by organic photovoltaics (OPV). The golden wave of OPV can be observed with the advent of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs). Chemical derivatizations, low band gap, broad absorption and sufficient stability, predetermine them for the successful construction of functional devices. The review summarizes some important aspects of the use of natural and nature‐inspired materials, their design, and use for NFAs, and light power conversion efficiency. We also discuss some photocatalytic applications as a contribution to green renewable energy and solar‐fuels production.