The Graphene Flagship, Europe’s largest research initiative, is spearheading a revolution in the energy sector by harnessing the unique properties of graphene to develop cutting-edge electronics and energy storage solutions. Graphene, the world’s thinnest material, is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice. Despite its minuscule thickness, it is stronger than steel and diamond, highly flexible, and an exceptional conductor of electricity and heat. These properties make graphene an ideal candidate for a wide range of applications, from composite materials and wearable devices to energy storage and harvesting.
The Graphene Flagship, launched in 2013, has been instrumental in translating graphene’s potential into industrial applications. Comprising 13 research and innovation projects, it is tackling challenges across various sectors, including biomedicine, composite materials, electronics, and energy. Two of its projects, GRAPHERGIA and ARMS, are at the forefront of developing game-changing energy solutions.
Energy harvesting and storage are pivotal for the global transition to sustainable energy systems. Graphene and other 2D materials have shown immense potential in revolutionising energy storage, driving advancements in batteries and supercapacitors. However, significant challenges remain in synthesising high-quality graphene, scaling up production, and integrating these materials into practical applications.
GRAPHERGIA is addressing these challenges head-on. The project is developing eco-friendly ‘dry electrode’ fabrication methods for energy storage devices, leveraging lasers for graphene synthesis and functionalisation. By advancing laser-based, pilot-scale, and industrially relevant production processes, GRAPHERGIA is targeting two transformative energy applications: self-powered smart clothing and high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) designed for space applications.
For self-powered smart clothing, GRAPHERGIA is developing a sustainable, laser-assisted process for depositing high-quality graphene electrodes directly onto textile surfaces. This innovation, a collaborative effort by the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) and Adamant Composites, aims to create self-charging textiles that can harvest biomechanical energy and store it using textile-embedded micro-flexible supercapacitors. Additionally, the project is creating a novel power management system to efficiently convert the energy generated by body motion into a stable DC current, enhancing the practicality of self-charging textiles.
In the realm of LIBs, GRAPHERGIA is tackling the challenge of replacing natural graphite in anodes, a critical raw material with scarce European mining sites. The project is introducing a patented, laser-assisted ‘dry process’ to develop graphene-based electrodes from low-cost raw materials, including biomass. This approach aligns with the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan, advancing low-carbon technologies to meet the growing demand for advanced energy storage solutions.
GRAPHERGIA’s vision extends beyond these applications. By targeting breakthrough advancements in materials, processes, and system integration, the project aims to provide sustainable, long-term solutions that meet the growing market demand for advanced energy applications. Its innovations promise to deliver scalable, long-term solutions for energy harvesting and storage, addressing both current and future demands.
The project’s use cases include self-charging textiles for smart clothing and upholstery fabrics, and advanced graphene/silicon LIB anodes for space applications. These demonstrators will validate the effectiveness of GRAPHERGIA’s technologies, showcasing their potential to revolutionise the energy sector.
Moreover, GRAPHERGIA is committed to sustainability. By significantly reducing carbon emissions, waste, and reliance on critical raw materials, the project addresses climate change and promotes ecological sustainability. Its waste-free, REACH-compliant processes eliminate hazardous substances, aligning with environmental protection goals while alleviating safety and regulatory challenges.
The Graphene Flagship’s work, particularly through projects like GRAPHERGIA and ARMS, is not just about developing new technologies; it’s about reshaping the future of energy. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with graphene, these projects are driving innovation, challenging norms, and sparking debate. They are setting new standards for sustainability, performance, and scalability in energy storage and harvesting technologies, ensuring Europe maintains a leading role in the production and application of 2D materials. As these projects unfold, they will undoubtedly shape the development of the energy sector, paving the way for a more energy-efficient and sustainable future. The energy sector is on the cusp of a graphene revolution, and the Graphene Flagship is leading the charge.
