Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) is GRAPHERGIA project coordinator, represented by Spyros Yannopoulos. He has been serving as a Research Director at FORTH for over 23 years, and as of April 2023, he took on the role of Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, holding his position at FORTH as a collaborative faculty member. Within the GRAPHERGIA project, he leads the FORTH team of innovators who will power future energy with graphene.
Read his interview to discover how FORTH is involved in GRAPHERGIA and his opinion about how graphene materials will transform the European energy market.
What is GRAPHERGIA in a nutshell?
GRAPHERGIA represents a collaborative effort among European innovators committed to revolutionizing smart textiles and advancing next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Our focus lies in exploiting the transformative potential of an innovative production method for Graphene Related Materials (GRMs), utilizing laser-assisted transformation applied to diverse carbon-containing materials. Through this approach, we aim to catalyze profound advancements in both smart textile technology and LIB design and implementation. Specifically, our project targets embedding energy-harvesting capabilities into everyday clothing, enabling a “charge-as-you-go” lifestyle accessible to all. By incorporating advanced graphene technology into daily wear, GRAPHERGIA aims to sustainably power wearable devices and facilitate a more intuitive user interface with the Internet of Things (IoT) through wireless sensor signal transmission. Furthermore, GRAPHERGIA is pioneering a credible “dry electrode” method for creating state-of-the-art graphene/Si electrodes, particularly for applications such as structural LIB cells in space-related technologies.
As the project coordinator, could you explain the reason behind the GRAPHERGIA project? How was this idea born?
The field of GRMs has attracted extensive global attention in science and technology. In Europe, this interest was prominently underscored by the substantial support of the decade-long Graphene Flagship (GF) initiative, which has recently concluded. Although my laboratory was not directly involved in the phases of the Graphene Flagship, we have keenly observed the diverse activities within this expansive project. Our focus was primarily on GRM synthesis methods and their applications in electrochemical energy storage devices.
Despite the wide array of synthesis methods explored in the GF project, laser-assisted graphene production methods were not a primary focus of this initiative. Overall, our method not only introduces an environmentally friendly approach in line with the needs of the textile industry but also achieves superior quality in few-layer graphene, exhibiting enhanced electrical properties compared to traditional ink-based graphene-coating processes. Therefore, our proposal emerged as a timely contribution, augmenting the efforts of the GF. It introduces a new perspective on graphene technology with significant potential for industrial adoption, filling a crucial gap left by the previous initiatives.
Novel concepts emerge from the fusion of experience, collaboration, and visionary thinking. During the 2019-2021 period, in collaboration with ADAMANT COMPOSITES Ltd., one of the SMEs in GRAPHERGIA, we embarked on a nationally funded project aimed at developing an innovative laser-assisted method for graphene coating on textiles and various flexible substrates, targeting the flexible electronics sector. The research and innovation efforts in this national project culminated in the creation of an IPR-protected technology and the establishment of a pilot line for applying laser-based graphene coatings on textiles using a roll-to-roll process. During the same period, I was involved in a Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN project, supervising a PhD student. Our research focused on unravelling the aspects of tribology at the nanoscale. This experience provided us with the unique opportunity to develop Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) utilizing GRMs as conductive electrodes.
The two aforementioned projects laid the groundwork for GRAPHERGIA, as they provided both the inspiration and the technological foundation for further exploration and innovation in this exciting domain.
What does your organisation bring to the project? Can you describe your role in the GRAPHERGIA project?
As the coordinator of GRAPHERGIA, FORTH plays a pivotal role, not only in overseeing the project but also as one of the primary technology developers. Our expertise lies in the laser-assisted transformation of carbon-based materials into graphene-like structures, an area we have been exploring for over a decade. Our experience spans a broad range of materials, including carbides, polymers, and biomass-derived substances. FORTH has developed patented methods for laser-assisted graphene growth, achieved both independently and through our collaboration with ADAMANT COMPOSITES Ltd. Our primary responsibility within the project involves designing and developing the foundational technologies for smart textiles and LIBs at lower Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). These technologies are designed to be inherently scalable. In partnership with the project’s SMEs, we aim to bring these technologies to the pilot-line scale.
Furthermore, FORTH is tasked with developing energy-harvesting layers using industrially relevant processes. We will also be responsible for the fabrication and performance evaluation of textile-embedded TENGs. This aspect of the project will be conducted in collaboration with Université Gustave Eiffel, who are recognized leaders in the development of innovative conditioning circuits that enhance TENG output.
Could you describe what you see as the two main innovations that the GRAPHERGIA project will develop during the 3,5 years?
The GRAPHERGIA project aims to introduce two significant innovations over the course of its 3.5-year duration, each aimed at revolutionizing distinct aspects of graphene’s production and applications.
Firstly, the project aspires to pioneer a reliable laser-assisted method capable of producing high-quality graphene-like materials and graphene-based nanohybrids at industrial scales. This innovation is pivotal as it will enable tailored production for specific applications, beyond the realms of energy harvesting and storage. The ability to efficiently couple lasers with AI tools holds immense potential for real-world applications of graphene and other 2D materials across various sectors. However, the true breakthrough lies not only in the success of this method but also in the concurrent development of a novel power management system. This system is essential for converting irregular voltage spikes generated by textile-embedded TENG devices into a compatible form for electronic devices or energy storage systems, thus facilitating the realization of self-powered smart clothing.
In parallel, GRAPHERGIA aims to advance a “dry” production method for LIB anode electrodes, aligning with the principles of Industry 4.0. This approach involves the direct transformation of carbon sources, such as biomass-derived products, into 3D graphene porous anodes. By circumventing wet-chemistry processes and the use of harmful solvents and binders, this innovation has the potential to redefine LIB technology.
We expect that GRAPHERGIA’s dual focus on represents a paradigm shift in the graphene industry, promising scalable, sustainable, and application-driven advancements that will shape the future of energy storage and smart textiles.
What expectations do you have for the project from your personal/organisational perspective?
From my personal and organizational perspective, we have several expectations for the GRAPHERGIA project.
Our primary focus revolves around meeting the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) we have established. These KPIs serve as our guiding metrics, ensuring we stay on track and achieve our project milestones effectively. Additionally, we are dedicated to sharing our discoveries and insights with the scientific community. By publishing valuable pieces of work, we contribute to the collective knowledge in the field of graphene technologies, fostering collaboration and innovation. Another critical aspect of our project involves safeguarding our ground-breaking technologies. We recognize the market potential of our innovations and prioritize protecting them through intellectual property rights, ensuring their value is preserved and leveraged effectively.
Drawing on the expertise and capabilities of our SME partners, particularly ADAMANT COMPOSITES Ltd., PLEIONE GmbH and Born GmbH we are prepared to elevate our innovations to new heights. In anticipation of promising outcomes, we plan to establish a spin-off company should we identify exploitable results. This venture will be dedicated to propelling new advancements in graphene-based smart textiles, flexible electronics, and beyond. Furthermore, nurturing talent lies at the heart of our project. We are committed to providing mentorship and training opportunities for young researchers, empowering them to explore cutting-edge areas of graphene technologies and become leaders in the field.
How do you see the power of graphene materials transforming the European energy markets? What benefits can it bring to science, economy and society in general?
Undoubtedly, graphene-related materials hold immense potential to revolutionize the European energy markets across various fronts. Firstly, their stability, exceptional conductivity and lightweight nature make them ideal candidates for enhancing the efficiency and performance of energy storage devices, such as batteries and supercapacitors. By enabling higher energy densities and faster charging rates, graphene-based energy storage solutions could mitigate the intermittency of renewable energy sources, thereby facilitating the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.
From a scientific perspective, graphene-related materials continue to inspire innovative research across disciplines, unlocking new insights into materials science, nanotechnology, and beyond. By pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, graphene research not only fuels scientific advancement but also cultivates a culture of collaboration and discovery within the European scientific community. Economically, the widespread adoption of graphene-based technologies has the potential to stimulate job creation, foster entrepreneurship, and drive industrial competitiveness. As Europe positions itself at the forefront of graphene innovation, it stands to capture significant market opportunities across diverse sectors, ranging from textiles and electronics to automotive and aerospace. Moreover, the societal benefits of graphene innovation extend beyond technology and industry. By facilitating the development of cleaner and more efficient energy solutions, graphene materials contribute to mitigating environmental pollution and combating climate change.
Follow us on LinkedIn, X and YouTube to discover more about GRAPHERGIA and read more interviews like Spyro’s!