HUNTING THE ELEMENTS OF THE PERIODIC TABLE ON SPACESHIP EARTH

Remarkable developments in electronics and digital technologies have prompted a substantial dematerialization of modern society. However, this trend is counterbalanced by a marked increase of personal device ownership - at a scale never experienced in previous technological phases - and a dramatically expanded use of chemical elements; some of them were once irrelevant but now are essential to devices/machines for delivering increasingly sophisticated services. Such a "element hunting" within the periodic table is further fostered by an increase of the global demand for food, energy, materials and services, driven by economic expansion and population growth. This worrisome development, which has accelerated in the last 30 years, is unfolding in a tiny planet Earth, a sort of spaceship with a finite number of natural resources in its hold (e.g., minerals and biomass). A short overview of the above unfolding scenario will be given, through selected examples of endangered elements and dematerialization vs. material intensification trends. Key concepts related to materials requirements for the transition to renewable energy sources will be illustrated, highlighting the problematic situation of Europe, which is a highly intensive utilizer of the periodic table, but is by far the poorest continent in terms resource availability. Some recommendations will be suggested for the protection of the endangered elements of the periodic table through recycling, for the welfare of future generations. This is a challenging feat, which can be accomplished only through chemistry research and development.