Graphene enhanced perovskite solar cells improve efficiency and reduce production costs
MWN-AI** Summary
Graphene-enhanced perovskite solar cells (PSC) are making significant strides in efficiency and cost-effectiveness, according to a recent update from First Graphene Limited in collaboration with Halocell Energy and Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The introduction of functionalized graphene into PSC technology has nearly doubled the efficiency of these solar cells to 30.6% while slashing production costs by as much as 80%. This remarkable cost reduction is largely attributed to the compatibility of graphene with roll-to-roll (R2R) dispersion technology, which avoids the use of expensive materials like gold and silver, making the manufacturing process both cheaper and scalable.
Since launching in the market last year, Halocell has reported a rise in commercial sales of its low-cost PSCs, particularly for indoor and low-light applications, which may replace conventional batteries in numerous small electronic devices ranging from TV remotes to biomedical sensors. This technological advancement has identified over 40 application categories, unlocking considerable market growth potential in sectors such as IoT and aviation.
With ongoing support from a AU$2.03 million grant from the Federal Government, the collaboration between First Graphene and Halocell continues to foster innovation. Plans are underway to expand Halocell's manufacturing capacity to produce up to 60 million PSC units annually through modular enhancements to their facilities.
First Graphene's Managing Director, Michael Bell, emphasized the partnership's success in driving down costs and enhancing product performance, aligning with global sustainability goals. Halocell's CEO, Paul Moonie, conveyed confidence in their material science approach to commercialize these advanced solar cells, securing a reliable supply of high-performing materials through their collaboration. This initiative illustrates how innovative materials like graphene are reshaping the solar energy landscape.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent advancements in graphene-enhanced perovskite solar cells (PSCs) present a compelling investment opportunity, particularly for stakeholders in the renewable energy sector. First Graphene's partnership with Halocell and the Queensland University of Technology is driving significant improvements in solar cell efficiency and manufacturing costs. The impressive doubling of efficiency to 30.6% while reducing production costs by up to 80% positions these PSCs as a game-changer in the solar energy landscape.
The introduction of roll-to-roll (R2R) production technology is a notable development, as it significantly lowers the manufacturing costs by eliminating expensive materials like gold and silver. This cost reduction allows for scalable production, enhancing the competitiveness of graphene-enhanced PSCs against traditional silicon-based solar cells. With the energy payback period for PSCs being a mere six weeks compared to two years for silicon cells, they are poised to capture market share quickly.
Furthermore, Halocell’s identification of 44 categories of devices that can leverage PSC technology—from IoT devices to drones—highlights the abundant market potential. The anticipated expansion of Halocell's production capacity to manufacture up to 60 million units annually reflects a strategic roadmap for meeting surging demand across various sectors.
For investors, the focus should be on companies involved in innovative material science and scalable production techniques. Supporting such entities could yield robust returns as the global push for renewable energy solutions accelerates. Given the governmental backing and the collaborative efforts in Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capacity, now is an opportune moment to consider investments in graphene-enhanced solar technologies. The market is ripe for disruption, and those who capitalize on these advancements stand to benefit significantly in the coming years.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
Highlights
- Addition of graphene to perovskite solar cells (PSC) shown to improve efficiency two-fold and reduce production costs by up to 80%
- Cost-effective production allows scale up of volume and increases product competitiveness
- Partnership with Halocell and QUT helping deliver upward trend in commercial sales of ultra low-cost perovskite solar cells since launch to market last year
- More than 40 device categories identified to benefit from PSC application with significant market growth opportunities
SYDNEY , Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Graphene Limited (ASX: FGR; "First Graphene" or "the Company") (FRA:M11) (OTCQB:FGPHF) is pleased to provide an update on its partnership with Halocell Energy (Halocell) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to develop 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%.
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 high-cost materials such as gold and silver from PSCs ( see Figure 1 ).
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.
Research partnership leading to commercial opportunities
FGR's research and development partnership with Halocell and QUT started in 2023 and continues to be funded through a three-year AU$2.03 million grant from the Federal Government's Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P).
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 (refer ASX announcement 26 September 2024).
Since late 2024 Halocell has been selling indoor, low-light PSCs to the Australian market, typically used in small electronic items.
PSCs are widely considered the best solution to replace hundreds of millions of batteries used in small everyday electronic devices such as TV remotes, calculators, toys, lights and torches, e-readers and tracking devices.
They can also be applied to high-end devices such as satellite solar modules, fixed wing drones, shark detectors, biomedical sensors and weather stations.
Halocell has identified 44 devices used across the IoT, electronics, space, aviation and full sun sectors that its PSC technology could be applied to.
Halocell is in the process of planning and seeking capital to expand its Wagga Wagga plant capacity through modular expansion of R2R production lines and boosting operating capability, with a view to eventually manufacturing up to 60 million PSC units annually.
First Graphene Managing Director and 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."
Halocell Energy CEO Paul Moonie said:
"Our approach to perovskite commercialisation has always been strong material science while keeping cost and processability in mind.
This collaboration project with First Graphene has delivered that, and we now have a suite of low-cost materials we can select for a range of PV applications we will deliver.
In addition to improving the performance of our products, this locks in bespoke material from First Graphene as a secure and reliable supplier.
This material will be included in sales of our Ambient PV range already available for purchase as well as our drone and satellite PV modules.
I thank the Federal Government's Collaborative Research Centre program for its support, this not only adds value to our products, but also strengthens sovereign manufacturing in Australia ."
SOURCE First Graphene Ltd
FAQ**
How does the collaboration with Halocell and QUT enhance the competitive edge of First Graphene Ltd FGPHF's graphene-enhanced perovskite solar cells in the growing market of photovoltaic technologies?
What specific advantages do graphene formulations from First Graphene Ltd FGPHF provide in the roll-to-roll production process for perovskite solar cells, compared to traditional manufacturing methods?
With the significant reduction in production costs and improvement in efficiency, how does First Graphene Ltd FGPHF plan to scale up production and meet the anticipated demand for their graphene-enhanced PSCs?
Given the identified device categories that could benefit from PSC applications, what strategies is First Graphene Ltd FGPHF implementing to penetrate these various markets effectively?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about First Graphene Ltd (OTC: FGPHF).
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