The Graphene Flagship, a European Union-funded initiative, is spearheading a revolution in the energy sector by harnessing the extraordinary properties of graphene to develop groundbreaking electronics and energy storage solutions. Since its isolation in 2004, graphene has captivated scientists and engineers alike with its remarkable characteristics: it is the world’s thinnest material, yet stronger than steel and diamond. Its exceptional stiffness, durability, and flexibility make it an ideal candidate for a myriad of applications, from composite materials to wearable devices. Moreover, graphene’s outstanding conductivity of electricity and heat has paved the way for innovative conductive inks, paints, and gels, as well as longer-lasting batteries. The automotive and aviation industries are already leveraging graphene to reduce the weight of vehicles and aircraft, thereby lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The Graphene Flagship, established in 2013, is Europe’s most ambitious research initiative, tasked with translating graphene’s academic potential into industrial applications. With 13 research and innovation projects, it is driving advancements in biomedicine, composite materials, electronics, and energy. Two of its projects, in particular, are pushing the boundaries of energy storage and harvesting.
The GRAPHERGIA project is at the forefront of this energy revolution. Its mission is to develop eco-friendly ‘dry electrode’ fabrication methods for energy storage devices, exploiting laser technologies for graphene synthesis and functionalisation. By advancing laser-based, pilot-scale, and industrially relevant production processes, GRAPHERGIA aims to create two transformative energy applications: self-powered smart clothing and high-performance anodes for lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells designed for space applications.
Current approaches to conductive textiles often rely on inks made from metallic nanoparticles or graphene platelets, which face challenges such as non-environmentally-friendly solvents and complex fabrication processes. GRAPHERGIA is tackling these issues head-on with its laser-assisted graphene deposition process, developed in collaboration between the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) and Adamant Composites. This patented process deposits high-quality graphene electrodes directly onto textile surfaces, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative. Additionally, GRAPHERGIA is creating a novel power management system, patented by the University of Gustave Eiffel, that converts discrete voltage pulses generated by body motion into a stable DC current, enhancing the practicality of self-charging textiles.
In the realm of LIB anodes, GRAPHERGIA is addressing the scarcity of natural graphite, a critical raw material (CRM) classified by the European Union. The project aims to introduce a patented, laser-assisted ‘dry process’ to develop graphene-based electrodes from low-cost raw materials, including biomass, and to produce graphene/silicon anodes by decomposing carbide materials. This aligns with the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan, promoting low-carbon technologies and reducing reliance on CRMs.
GRAPHERGIA’s vision extends to several demonstrators, including self-charging textiles for smart clothing and upholstery fabrics, and advanced graphene/Si LIB anodes for space applications. These demonstrators will validate the effectiveness of the project’s laser-assisted fabrication technology at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5.
By integrating 2D materials with scalable, cost-effective fabrication techniques, GRAPHERGIA is delivering economically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions. The project’s waste-free, REACH-compliant processes eliminate hazardous substances, aligning with environmental protection goals and promoting ecological sustainability. Technologically, GRAPHERGIA’s direct laser-assisted deposition of graphene simplifies electrode fabrication and device integration, enabling large-scale production of graphene-based films and coatings.
The implications of GRAPHERGIA’s advancements are profound. As the demand for energy storage and harvesting technologies continues to rise, driven by the global transition to sustainable energy systems, GRAPHERGIA’s innovations are poised to meet these challenges head-on. By significantly reducing carbon emissions, waste, and reliance on CRMs, the project addresses climate change and promotes ecological sustainability. Furthermore, GRAPHERGIA’s innovations enhance industrial resilience, ensuring Europe maintains a leading role in the production and application of 2D materials. The project’s alignment with EU sustainability standards and its promotion of innovation are setting new benchmarks for the energy sector, paving the way for a more energy-efficient future. The Graphene Flagship, through projects like GRAPHERGIA, is not only driving technological advancements but also challenging norms and sparking debate on the future of energy storage and harvesting. As the sector evolves, the impact of these innovations will be felt across industries, from automotive and aviation to wearable electronics and personalised healthcare. The Graphene Flagship’s work is a testament to the power of coordinated research and innovation, driving the energy sector towards a more sustainable and efficient
