First Graphene Limited, in partnership with Halocell Energy and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), has doubled the efficiency of its graphene-enhanced perovskite solar cells (PSC).
Through the addition of First Graphene’s novel functionalised graphene, Halocell’s photovoltaic (PV) PSC has almost doubled in efficiency to 30.6%, while reducing production costs by up to 80%.
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This is predominantly achieved through the Company’s graphene formulations being compatible with roll-to-roll (R2R) dispersion technology, which eliminates traditional high conductor and highcost materials such as gold and silver from PSCs.
R2R is the cheapest PSC manufacture method, providing a rapidly scalable production technique, introducing cost and volume efficiencies that gives Halocell’s cells market advantage against competitors.
Cells made with alternative carbon-based materials such as graphene (see Figure 2) have widely been found to outperform conventional silicon cells in low and artificial light conditions, including indoor environments, generating and supplying power for niche applications.
Perovskites generally lower PV material, processing and energy costs associated with manufacture significantly compared to traditional silicon-based PVs. Their energy payback period has been calculated to be as low as six weeks compared to silicon cells which take approximately two years. Technology development and performance has created a level of PSC efficiency in the last decade that took 40 years to achieve in silicon-based cells.
To assist ongoing development of graphene-enhanced PSCs, First Graphene entered a two-year commercial agreement to supply Halocell with its PureGRAPH for use as a high performing coating in their cells last year.
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First Graphene CEO Michael Bell said, “We’re pleased with the progress Halocell has made applying our PureGRAPH to its perovskite solar cell development, not only through our R&D collaboration but now in a commercial setting.
“Halocell’s ambient module product line has been commercially available since September last year, meaning our partnership is generating competitive Australian innovation with global reach. Production of these cells fits with our decarbonisation mantra when applying graphene to materials, which is proven to improve product performance, extend life and dramatically lower production costs to create a highly competitive product available to market.”
