Light Harvesting and Excited-State Dynamics in Inorganic and Hybrid Systems

The ability of inorganic and hybrid materials to harvest light and direct excited-state energy flow underpins advances in solar energy conversion, photocatalysis, sensing and optoelectronics. Transition-metal complexes, metal clusters, semiconductor nanostructures and extended frameworks such as MOFs provide tunable electronic structures, strong spin-orbit coupling and diverse energy transfer pathways. Mechanistic understanding of resonance energy transfer and exciton migration has been shaped by foundational theories of Förster and Dexter transfer, while modern ultrafast spectroscopies and theoretical treatments now enable direct observation of charge separation and recombination dynamics in complex architectures. Despite substantial progress, unifying principles governing light harvesting and excited-state dynamics across molecular and extended inorganic systems remain an active and evolving frontier.This research topic aims to provide a unified platform for fundamental and mechanistic studies of light harvesting and excited-state processes in inorganic and inorganic-organic hybrid systems. Rather than focusing on specific material families, the collection emphasises how structure, electronic configuration and coupling mechanisms govern energy absorption, transfer, localisation and dissipation across multiple length and time scales.We seek contributions that clarify how resonance energy transfer (Förster, Dexter, exchange-mediated, vibronic or phonon-assisted pathways), exciton migration, intersystem crossing and charge separation/recombination operate in coordination complexes, clusters, extended frameworks and hybrid interfaces. Particular interest lies in studies that integrate advanced spectroscopy (steady-state, time-resolved, ultrafast), theoretical modelling and structure-property analysis to uncover general design principles for efficient light harvesting.By bringing together molecular and materials perspectives, this topic aims to bridge coordination chemistry, solid-state inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry, fostering a mechanistic understanding that can inform the rational design of next-generation functional inorganic systems.We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:• Mechanisms of resonance energy transfer in inorganic and hybrid architectures• Exciton migration and energy harvesting in extended inorganic frameworks• Ultrafast excited-state dynamics in coordination complexes and metal clusters• Charge separation and recombination at inorganic-molecular or semiconductor interfaces• Design principles for light-harvesting systems relevant to solar fuels and sustainable photocatalysisSubmissions may address molecular complexes, clusters, metal-organic frameworks, semiconductor nanostructures and hybrid assemblies, particularly where excited-state processes are linked to light-driven chemical transformations. Contributions that provide mechanistic insight into energy conversion pathways relevant to artificial photosynthesis, CO₂ reduction, water splitting, or solar-driven redox chemistry are especially encouraged. Both experimental and computational studies are welcome, particularly those integrating spectroscopy, structural characterisation and modelling to uncover structure-property relationships guiding sustainable light-to-chemical energy conversion. Topic editors: Fabio Cucinotta, Pau Farras Costa, Andrés Guerrero Martínez Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78619/light-harvesting-and-excited-state-dynamics-in-inorganic-and-hybrid-systems