It was recently reported that First Graphene is working with solar company Greatcell Australia on graphene enhancements to perovskite solar cell technology.
Perovskites are a family of materials with a unique crystal structure that have potential for many applications, the most prominent of which is low cost, efficient solar cells. Greatcell Australia has established a pilot plant in New South Wales and is in the advanced stages of testing its range of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with manufacturers around the world. Greatcell is aiming to fit its modular production lines into 40-foot shipping containers, due in part to the easier assembly and reduced number of steps to produce PSCs compared to silicon solar cells.
It was said that graphene is seen as the key to enhancing many of the key properties of PSCs that already make them appealing for a vast range of everyday applications. It can improve service life and allow high-speed roll-to-roll production. In addition, due to graphene’s exceptional electrical conductivity and thermal properties, there is good potential for improved energy conversion efficiency. Graphene is also seen as the key removal of environmentally hazardous materials currently used during the manufacture of perovskite solar cells.
In addition, Greatcell Australia's CEO Paul Moonie said the graphene composites and formulations developed through the collaboration not only result in PSCs delivering enhanced performance but provide over 80% reduction in input material costs.
“This opens the way for even lower cost options that will undoubtedly be a compelling proposition for global electronics manufacturers,” he says.
According to Michael Bell, CEO and Managing Director of First Graphene, the collaboration with Greatcell offers considerable opportunity for both companies.
“We’re aiming to fast-track the commercialization of the new graphene-enhanced PSC technology, which could open the way to a considerable global market that needs better performing perovskite solar technology,” he says.