First Graphene secures deal to supply graphene for perovskite solar cells

ASX-listed company First Graphene has announced that it has secured an agreement with Halocell Energy to supply graphene for the manufacture of perovskite solar cells. The initial two-year agreement will result in First Graphene providing its leading PureGRAPH graphene to the NSW-based manufacturer for use as a high-performing coating for perovskite solar cells.

By incorporating PureGRAPH into its products, Halocell Energy can expedite its manufacturing process and enhance light-absorbing performance, which will enable the company to scale up commercial production to meet demand.

Halocell Energy will release its first commercially available indoor perovskite solar cell module this month, which can be used to charge small electronic goods, replacing disposable batteries. These graphene enhanced modules are up to five times more efficient than conventional silicon solar cells. They are also more cost-effective, with Halocell Energy demonstrating graphene can reduce manufacturing and materials costs by over 80% as the need for high-cost conductor materials such as gold and silver are eliminated.

By delivering cost-effective perovskite solar cells, First Graphene and Halocell Energy say they could help drive down renewable energy costs and accelerate the rate of uptake around Australia.

The graphene formulations will also allow the use of roll-to-roll dispersion, which is a rapid, scalable and low-cost production technique used to create the perovskite solar cells. Combined with First Graphene’s materials, the technique will pave the way forward for Australia to become a cost-competitive manufacturer of this in-demand renewable energy technology, according to First Graphene.

Perovskite solar cell layers.

The roll-to-roll technique is the subject of research and development work conducted in collaboration between First Graphene, Halocell Energy and the Queensland University of Technology. In September 2023, the three organisations received $2 million in funding from the Australian Government to support a three-year project investigating commercialisation of this renewable energy technology.

The global perovskite solar cell market has been valued at more than $95 million, with demand expected to nearly double the market value over the next year. In Australia, energy generated by solar cells accounts for more than 11% of the nation’s total energy supply.

“This landmark agreement with Halocell Energy is a significant milestone for First Graphene as we officially enter the commercial perovskite solar cell industry,” said First Graphene Managing Director and CEO Michael Bell. “These locally manufactured products will change the way Australians leverage solar power in their home and improve Australia’s renewable energy performance as a whole.

“Importantly, this agreement will open the door further for First Graphene to showcase the benefits of leveraging the unique properties of graphene to improve renewable energy technology.”

“We are excited to announce this pivotal manufacturing supply agreement with First Graphene, which marks a significant step forward for Halocell in developing cutting-edge perovskite solar cells,” added Halocell Energy CEO Paul Moonie. “By leveraging First Graphene’s advanced graphene formulations, we can optimise particle size and surface chemistry, enhancing the efficiency and scalability of our solar cells.

“The integration of these locally supplied materials into our roll-to-roll production process enables cost-effective, rapid manufacturing, which will be a game changer for the solar industry in Australia.”

Top image credit: iStock.com/audioundwerbung