From hydrocarbons to solar energy: unfolding trends for chemistry

The unprecedented improvement of the quality of life occurred in some regions of the world during the last century has been predominantly powered by fossil fuels, which still provide over 80% of our primary energy supply. This share has to be drastically reduced to curb the effects of a catastrophic climate change. The chief candidate to phase out the oil-gas-coal age is solar energy, which is available in several direct and indirect forms and is by far the most abundant, sustainable, and safe energy source we can rely on [1,2]. The transition to a solar-powered civilization will be a long and difficult process in which some key trends can be already envisaged: (1) growing share of electricity in energy end use [3]; (2) increase of efficiency in energy production [1,2]; (3) establishment of technologies for the manufacturing of solar fuels [4]; (4) recycling the equipment used for converting renewable energy flows that is often made of materials available in limited supply [5]. Solutions to the tremendous challenge of energy transition require the mobilization of huge human and economic resources in several scientific and technological fields, with chemistry playing a prominent role. In this broader context, some research results from our laboratories in the fields of materials for solar energy conversion and efficient lighting technologies will be illustrated [6,7]. [1] N. Armaroli and V. Balzani, Energy for a Sustainable World - From the Oil Age to a Sun Powered Future, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, Germany, 2011. [2] N. Armaroli, V. Balzani and N. Serpone, Powering Planet Earth - Energy Solutions for the Future, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, Germany, 2013. [3] N. Armaroli and V. Balzani Energ. Environ. Sci., 2011, 4, 3193-3222. [4] J. Barber Chem. Soc. Rev., 2009, 38, 185-196. [5] B. K. Reck and T. E. Graedel Science, 2012, 337, 690-695. [6] R. D. Costa, E. Orti, H. J. Bolink, F. Monti, G. Accorsi and N. Armaroli Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2012, 51, 8178-8211. [7] K. Yoosaf, J. Iehl, I. Nierengarten, M. Hmadeh, A.-M. Albrecht-Gary, J.-F. Nierengarten and N. Armaroli Chem.-Eur. J., 2014, 20, 223-231.?