Adamant Composites is a technology company active in the field of Advanced Materials and Structures with vision to create technological growth in Greece via a cutting-edge manufacturing hub serving Space and High-Tech industries with Design and Manufacturing activities in-house. At the GRAPHERGIA project, Adamant is leading our Work Package 5 (WP5) ‘Design, manufacturing and testing of representative technology demonstrators’.
In this interview, Despoina Batsouli, Head of Advanced Materials Division at Adamant Composites, Materials Engineer, Dipl.-Ing., MSc, states to us that she is thrilled to be a part of the GRAPHERGIA project, since it’s an exciting opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals and organizations across Europe to drive innovation and make meaningful advancements in laser-assisted graphene production to shape the future of smart, self-charging textiles and next-generation Li-ion batteries.
Read Despoina’s interview to discover more about Adamant Composites’ implication in GRAPHERGIA.
Why did you join the GRAPHERGIA project?
Well, during our decision-making process, we identified several key factors that made joining the GRAPHERGIA project a compelling opportunity for Adamant Composites. Firstly, the project’s focus on innovative pilot lines for sustainable graphene-based flexible and structural energy harvesting and storage devices aligns closely with our company’s expertise and strategic goals in materials science and sustainable technologies.
Ιt is worth noting that Adamant Composites and FORTH have recently established and patented a reliable laser-assisted method for coating textiles/fabrics with high-quality, highly conductive graphene growth using a Roll-to-Roll (R2R) production line. Recognizing the significance of leveraging graphene-based technologies to drive sustainable advancements in various industries, this developed method will be the starting point for fields such as aerospace, smart textiles, energy storage, etc. Through GRAPHERGIA, Adamant Composites will have the opportunity to establish its placement in the areas of fabrication of graphene-based components and self-powered sensors for smart composite technologies and pursue product development at higher TRLs.
Moreover, the collaborative nature of the GRAPHERGIA project offers a unique platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By participating in this project, we have the opportunity to work alongside leading European partners, contributing our insights and expertise in composites to enhance the development of graphene-based devices.
What does your organisation bring to the project? Can you describe your role in GRAPHERGIA?
Our organization brings a wealth of expertise, resources, and collaborative spirit to the GRAPHERGIA project. We are committed to advancing the project’s objectives and making significant contributions to the development of scalable, cost-effective, and climate-neutral technologies for e-textiles and next-generation electrodes. More specifically, Adamant Composites brings expertise on roll-to-roll (R2R) textiles/composites modification, spray coating and laser processing modules, established know-how and pilot scale coating line and innovative Made-to-Measure Materials Design methodology.
Our experience in the production of laser-assisted deposition of high-quality graphene on textiles and various flexible substrates, acquired in collaboration with FORTH, coordinator of the GRAPHERGIA project, in the framework of a nationally funded project, provides a unique advantage in the design, development and optimization of textile-based TENGs and micro-flexible SCs.
We are also actively collaborating with other project partners in GRAPHERGIA to leverage complementary expertise and resources. Drawing on the expertise and capabilities of Pleione Energy, we will contribute to the LIB cells design and assembly using laser-scribed graphene-based anodes. Furthermore, a miniaturized TENG-based self-powered wireless sensor integrated in a scaled aerospace composites structure will be demonstrated by ADAMANT utilizing its background work in prototype CFRP blade manufacturing/testing and the innovations of our partners FORTH, DLR, BORN, UGE and ComS that will be developed under WP2 and WP4.
In addition, Adamant Composites plays a pivotal role in the design, manufacturing and testing of representative technology demonstrators. As WP5 leader, our organisation is responsible for integrating of all innovations developed in GRAPHERGIA and demonstrating them in real-world applications with all demonstrator leaders considering eco-design principles in representative demonstrators in collaboration with NTT.
To conclude, together with our partners, we are confident that we can achieve impactful results and drive innovation in our field.
What expectations do you have for the project from your personal/organisational perspective?
From both a personal and organizational perspective, our expectations for the project are quite high given the groundbreaking nature of its objectives. Firstly, we anticipate that the project will yield significant advancements in the development of smart, self-charging textiles and next-generation Li-ion batteries based on laser-assisted graphene growth, which is a method developed and patented by FORTH and ADAMANT. Our organisation will benefit from these technologies after a pilot validation (Demo case #2) and add in its exploitation portfolio devices, such as self-powered sensors embedded in smart composites structures.
On a personal level, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in the field of smart clothing technology and industry, IoT sensors, and more efficient energy management in the huge market of LIB cells. Being involved in a project of this magnitude presents a chance to deepen my expertise, collaborate with top professionals in the field, and make meaningful contributions to addressing global energy challenges.
From an organizational standpoint, we expect the project to provide valuable insights, technologies, and networks that can drive our company’s growth and competitiveness in the market. By actively participating in the development of graphene-based components and self-powered sensors for smart composite technologies, we aim to strengthen our position as a leader in materials science and sustainable technologies.
Furthermore, we anticipate that the project will open up new avenues for collaboration, partnerships, and market opportunities, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of our organization.
Which impact will GRAPHERGIA have on industry and society in the short and long term?
In both the short and long term, GRAPHERGIA is poised to have a transformative impact on both industry and society achieving scalable, cost-effective, and climate-neutral production of e-textiles and next-generation electrodes for LIB cells.
In the short term, the project’s advancements could lead to the production of e-textiles with enhanced functionality, such as wearable power supply and self-powered sensors embedded in structural components. This could lead to the commercialization of smart clothing with improved capabilities, such as real-time health monitoring, environmental sensing, and energy harvesting. The adoption of such smart textiles could initially target niche markets like sports, healthcare, and military applications. Moreover, short-term impacts on LIB cells could include improved performance and energy density, resulting in longer-lasting batteries for consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage. This could lead to increased adoption of electric vehicles and further integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
Looking towards the long term, scalable and cost-effective production of e-textiles could revolutionize the fashion industry and everyday life. Smart clothing could become ubiquitous, seamlessly integrating technology into our daily routines. This could have profound implications for healthcare, with continuous health monitoring and early detection of medical conditions becoming the norm. Additionally, the environmental benefits of climate-neutral production methods could help mitigate the fashion industry’s ecological footprint. Furthermore, long-term impacts could include advancements in energy storage technology, enabling widespread adoption of renewable energy and decarbonization efforts. Improved LIB cells could facilitate the transition to renewable energy by providing efficient and reliable energy storage solutions. This could contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change on a global scale.
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?
The power of graphene materials has the potential to revolutionize the European energy markets, driving scientific advancement, economic growth, and societal well-being. By harnessing the unique properties of graphene, Europe can lead the way in building a sustainable, resilient energy future that benefits both present and future generations.
Graphene’s unique properties, such as its exceptional conductivity, strength, and flexibility, make it an ideal candidate for enhancing energy storage and harvesting technologies. By leveraging graphene-based materials in the development of batteries, supercapacitors, and other energy storage devices, Europe can address key challenges related to energy storage capacity, efficiency, and sustainability.
Moreover, beyond the energy sector, graphene holds tremendous potential to shape the future of smart textiles and composites due to its exceptional properties, where researchers and industry stakeholders can develop cutting-edge technologies that offer superior performance, functionality, and sustainability, contributing to a more efficient and connected future.
By investing in research, development, and commercialization efforts related to graphene-based energy technologies, Europe can stimulate economic activity, attract investment, and foster the emergence of new industries and markets. Furthermore, the societal benefits of graphene materials in the energy sector are vast and multifaceted. By enabling the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, graphene contributes to environmental preservation, public health, and climate resilience. This not only enhances the quality of life for European citizens but also reinforces Europe’s commitment to achieving its climate and sustainability goals.