DALLE ESIGENZE ENERGETICHE SULLA TERRA ALL’ESPLORAZIONE DI MARTE PASSANDO PER I COLORI DELLA CAPPELLA SISTINA: PRESENTE E FUTURO DEL FOTOVOLTAICO E DEI COMBUSTIBILI SOLARI

Abstract

The challenge of renewable energies has now come to a strategic step. While 80% of the energy still comes from fossil fuels, the role of renewable energies is in constant growth. The challenge of renewables is not only a technological transition, but also the indispensable response to the needs of the planet, from the incessant demographic growth to climatic emergencies and to the development of the poorest countries, and eventually to medium to long term challenges such as the colonization of Mars. Researchers are therefore committed to developing innovative, clean and efficient solutions to meet such challenge. In particular, organic dyes, organic molecules such as those founds in drugs or liquid crystals, represent key actors of one of the most fascinating chemistry frontiers to produce low cost and clean renewable energy. As the true colors of the Sistine Chapel frescoes, wanted by Michelangelo, have now emerged and visible to everyone, also in this field only specific colored dyes are able to address effectively the energy challenge. The scientist, especially the chemist, starting from the state of the art and innovation, is engaged in the design of new molecules owning the correct colors.