Graphene enhanced perovskite solar cells improve efficiency and reduce production costs

Graphene enhanced perovskite solar cells improve efficiency and reduce production costs

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

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 ."

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/graphene-enhanced-perovskite-solar-cells-improve-efficiency-and-reduce-production-costs-302547469.html

SOURCE First Graphene Ltd

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ALTECH - CERENERGY Battery Prototype Reaches Key Milestones

ALTECH - CERENERGY Battery Prototype Reaches Key Milestones

Altech Batteries (ATC:AU) has announced ALTECH - CERENERGY Battery Prototype Reaches Key Milestones

Download the PDF here.

Altech Batteries Ltd  CERENERGY Battery Prototype Reaches Key Milestones

Altech Batteries Ltd CERENERGY Battery Prototype Reaches Key Milestones

Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) - Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) (OTCMKTS:ALTHF) is pleased to announce the latest performance results of the CERENERGY(R) cell and battery pack prototypes. These results confirm the technological maturity and robustness of the CERENERGY(R) technology and mark another decisive step towards industrialisation.

Highlights

- 650+ cycles with no capacity loss, proving exceptional material stability and long operational lifespan compared to conventional batteries

- Near 100% Coulombic efficiency, confirming minimal side reactions and strong intrinsic safety of sodium nickel chloride chemistry

- High energy efficiency of up to 92%, surpassing typical 70-80% levels of competing battery technologies

- Proven safety under extreme conditions - cells remained stable during overcharge, deep discharge, and thermal cycling up to 300 degC with no gassing, leakage, or rupture

- Robust and reliable chemistry - sodium nickel chloride avoids flammable electrolytes and runaway risks, confirming suitability for safe, large-scale grid and renewable energy storage

- ABS60 prototype validated under real-world conditions -tested across diverse load profiles, high-current pulses up to 50 A, and thermal variations

- Stable, efficient performance - achieved ~88% round-trip efficiency with no observable capacity fade over 110+ cycles

CELL PERFORMANCE

The CERENERGY(R) prototype cells have successfully completed over 650 charge-discharge cycles without any detectable capacity loss. Cycle life is a critical measure of battery durability, as most conventional batteries experience gradual degradation with every cycle. Achieving such performance highlights the outstanding stability of the materials and points to the potential for a long operational lifespan.

For stationary energy storage systems (ESS), this translates into fewer battery replacements, lower lifetime operating costs, and greater reliability for end users.

The cells also delivered nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency alongside an energy efficiency of up to 92% across 650 cycles. Coulombic efficiency reflects the proportion of charge recovered during discharge relative to what was supplied during charging. A value approaching 100% indicates minimal side reactions or parasitic losses, confirming the intrinsic stability and safety of sodium nickel chloride chemistry. This high efficiency demonstrates that the cells are not expending energy on unwanted processes such as electrode degradation. Such performance is vital for scalability, ensuring reliable, longterm operation in commercial energy storage applications.

Energy efficiency represents the proportion of energy delivered relative to the energy supplied. Competing technologies, including conventional high-temperature batteries and many flow batteries, typically achieve only around 70-80%. By reaching 92%, CERENERGY(R) positions itself in a highly competitive class, offering more cost-effective energy storage, stronger economics for grid operators, and seamless compatibility with the requirements of renewable energy integration.

The cells achieved a nominal capacity of 100 Ah and 250 Wh, with reliable performance even at higher discharge rates. A key feature is their ability to support multiple daily charge-discharge cycles within the 20-80% state of charge (SoC) range at 25 A. This capability positions CERENERGY(R) as a highly flexible solution for grid operators and energy storage providers, enabling cost-efficient, long-life performance in applications that demand frequent cycling such as renewable integration, peak shaving, and backup power.

CERENERGY(R) prototype cells underwent rigorous abuse testing, including overcharge to 4 V, deep discharge to 0.2 V, and thermal cycling between room temperature and 300 degC. In all cases, the cells remained stable with no gassing, leakage, or rupture -clear proof of their outstanding safety. These results highlight the intrinsic stability of sodium nickel chloride chemistry, which avoids the flammable electrolytes and runaway risks common in lithium-ion batteries. The ability to withstand extreme electrical and thermal stress demonstrates CERENERGY(R)'s robustness and confirms its suitability for safe, largescale deployment in grid, renewable, and industrial energy storage applications. This was achieved over 3 cycles with 1.8 Full Charge Equivalent (FCE) into 22 hours.

BATTERY PACK ABS60 (60 kWh) PROTOTYPE

The first ABS60 battery pack prototype has been successfully validated under real-world operating conditions, marking a major step forward in product readiness. Testing included diverse load profiles,

continuous discharges at 25 A (equivalent to C-rate of C/4 (discharges in 4 hours), or one-quarter of the pack's rated capacity per hour) at 80% depth of discharge (DoD), short-duration high-current pulses up to 50 A, and carefully controlled thermal variations.

The pack consistently demonstrated stable performance, achieving ~88% round-trip efficiency while maintaining reliable thermal management. Efficiency refers to the proportion of input energy that can be retrieved during operation-a critical measure of economic viability for large-scale storage. Over more than 110 cycles, results showed no observable capacity fading and only a slight increase in internal resistance. Capacity fading refers to the gradual decline in usable energy over repeated cycles, while internal resistance influences power delivery and heat generation.

The absence of meaningful degradation confirms the durability and electrochemical stability of the ABS60 design. These outcomes are highly significant as they demonstrate that the pack can withstand real-world duty cycles while retaining performance and efficiency, translating into longer service life, fewer replacements, and lower total cost of ownership.

For grid operators and renewable integration projects, this combination of robust cycling capability, efficiency, and thermal stability underscores the ABS60's commercial readiness and competitive advantage in the stationary energy storage market.

These results are a strong confirmation of CERENERGY(R)'s technological leadership and a clear signal of the technology's competitiveness and robustness for future applications in energy storage and industrial markets.

Group Managing Director, Iggy Tan said "These results confirm CERENERGY(R)'s robustness and readiness for market adoption. Demonstrating long cycle life, high efficiency, and unmatched safety, we are now strongly positioned to deliver a competitive and sustainable alternative for grid and industrial energy storage."

*To view photographs, tables and figures, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/17QS44T3



About Altech Batteries Ltd:

Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) is a specialty battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with world leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS ("Fraunhofer") to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. CERENERGY(R) batteries are the game-changing alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY(R) batteries are fire and explosion-proof; have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates. The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free; cobalt-free; graphite-free; and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns.

The joint venture is commercialising its CERENERGY(R) battery, with plans to construct a 100MWh production facility on Altech's land in Saxony, Germany. The facility intends to produce CERENERGY(R) battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.

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Battery Anode Material Refinery - Design & Location Update

Battery Anode Material Refinery - Design & Location Update

Metals Australia (MLS:AU) has announced Battery Anode Material Refinery - Design & Location Update

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IR1:IR1 Completes Acquisition to Consolidate Black Hills, US

IR1:IR1 Completes Acquisition to Consolidate Black Hills, US

Rapid Critical Metals (RLL:AU) has announced IR1:IR1 Completes Acquisition to Consolidate Black Hills, US

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Critical Minerals Market Expected to Reach $586 Billion by 2032 as Demand Grows for Supply of Essential Minerals

Critical Minerals Market Expected to Reach $586 Billion by 2032 as Demand Grows for Supply of Essential Minerals

FN Media Group News Commentary - Industry experts project that the global critical minerals market will continue maintaining substantial growth as it has in recent years. The global critical minerals market is experiencing unprecedented growth, primarily driven by the accelerating transition to clean energy technologies. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the market size of key energy transition minerals doubled over the past five years, aligning closely with the market size for iron ore mining. This surge is largely attributed to the tripling of lithium demand, a 70% increase in cobalt demand, and a 40% rise in nickel demand between 2017 and 2022, with clean energy applications accounting for significant portions of this demand. The sustainability of the global critical minerals market is increasingly influenced by governmental initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and enhancing resource efficiency. A recent report from DataM Intelligence projected that Critical Minerals Market Size reached US$ 328.19 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 586.63 billion by 2032, growing with a CAGR of 7.53% during the forecast period 2025-2032. The report said: "A notable trend in the critical minerals market is the increasing investment in mineral development, which witnessed a 30% rise in 2022 following a 20% increase in 2021. Lithium saw the sharpest investment increase at 50%, followed by copper and nickel. This investment surge is a response to the soaring demand for minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper, driven by the deployment of clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels." Active companies in the markets this week include: Saga Metals Corp. (OTCQB: SAGMF) (TSX-V: SAGA), TMC the metals company Inc. (NASDAQ: TMC), Critical Metals Corp. (NASDAQ: CRML), Rio Tinto Group (NYSE: RIO), Empire Metals Limited (OTCQX: EPMLF) (LON: EEE).

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