The Central Role of Chemistry in the Transition to the Solar Economy

Abstract

On June 8 and June 9, 2017, we gave two invited lectures at the Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry (ZIOC) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow.  The first lecture, “Sol-Gel Catalysts: Making Green Chemistry Possible”, focused on the practical outcomes of 25 years of research on sol-gel entrapped catalysts. The second, “Chemistry for the Bioeconomy: From Discussion to Action”, offered a critical insight to the forthcoming bioeconomy. Both lectures aroused much interest in the audience and ended with a vigorous discussion lasting about one hour. An outlook is provided herein. 

Polymers of Limonene Oxide and Carbon Dioxide: Polycarbonates of the Solar Economy

“…In this epochal shift, which is eventually taking place, the role of chemistry and chemical innovation, such as that briefly summarized in this account, will be of paramount importance. 42…”

“…Hence, limonene polycarbonates obtained from polymerization of d -limonene oxide(s) and CO 2 ideally retrieved from the air are an eminent example of polymers of the emerging solar economy, namely, the economy in which both energy and functional materials currently mostly derived from oil will rather be derived from renewable energy sources and renewable feedstock abundant in nature. In this epochal shift, which is eventually taking place, the role of chemistry and chemical innovation, such as that briefly summarized in this account, will be of paramount importance …”

“…In this epochal shift, which is eventually taking place, the role of chemistry and chemical innovation, such as that briefly summarized in this account, will be of paramount importance. 42 From the manufacturing viewpoint, the recent accelerated progress makes possible the production of enantiomerically pure poly(limonene carbonates) of high molecular weight using either one of the two catalysts active in limonene oxide/CO 2 copolymerization relying on abundant and low-cost Zn and Al metals and easily synthesized ligands, namely, β-diiminate zinc and aminotriphenolate aluminum/PPNCl complexes.…”

New Energy and Weather Services in the Context of the Energy Transition

“…[42] Similar to ap revious study in which we identify the need for regionalsolar-energy and bioeconomy institutes, [43] the arguments of the presents tudy,i nb rief,e xtend well beyond Italy,a ss ocieties in both developed and developing countries look to distributed generation of renewable energyf rom water, sun, and wind as av iable meanst og et rid of pollution and dependenceo nf ossil fuels and also to biomass replacing petroleum as as ustainable raw material for the production of chemicals,polymers,and functional materials. [44] In the contexto ft he energy transition, accurate weather forecastingb ecomes as importanta si ntelligentg rid management and increased storage capacity.A st he energy system undergoes profound transformationsd ue to rapid emergence of the solar economy,f ollowing Wentland and co-workers [45] we find that previously separatescientific and technology domains start to interact, serving new societal sustainability needs.F or example,p rofessionals working in such new energy and weather services will need to develop significant competencei np ublic outreach and communication of weather ande nergy forecasts. [46] Hence, the education of professionals capable of proactively acting based on such cross-disciplinaryk nowledge [47] will be ac entral task of these new energy and weather centers.…”