German Aerospace Center, or Deutsches Zentrum für Luft – und Raumfahrt E.V. (DLR), is the national research center of Germany dealing essentially with the aeronautics, space, satellites, but also energy and environment and mobile transport systems, such vehicles and vessels. Their Institute of Materials Research, one of the 52 institutes of DLR, is contributing to GRAPHERGIA, and is situated in Cologne (Germany), where the DLR headquarters are.
Bilge Saruhan-Brings, Senior Scientist at the Institute of Materials Research of DLR, has been involved in various research topics of the “Functional Coatings” group at the Deptarment of High-Temperature and Functional Coatings. In the GRAPHERGIA project, the Functional Coatings group serves with the development, characterisation and integration of supercapacitors and their components for use at the aerospace applications.
Read her interview to learn more about how Bilge and DLR are involved in our project!
Why did you join the GRAPHERGIA project?
Our functional coatings group continues to be developed for efficient energy storage, especially in small, self-sufficient systems that can be integrated into many components such as demisable satellites, smart e-textiles, etc. We think that solid polymer electrolytes applied in laser-induced interdigital graphene electrodes for the production of micro-supercapacitors and smart e-textiles could be promising for integration into flexible energy storage modules for future space applications.
What does your organisation bring to the project? Can you describe your role in GRAPHERGIA?
DLR is the Aeronautics and Space Research Center of the Federal Republic of Germany. Major research and development activities are focused on aeronautics, space, energy, transportation, security and digitalization. In this framework, semiconducting and nanostructured coatings for the use of various sensors and laser-induced graphene electrodes, various high voltage, and leakage free solid polymer electrolytes for the production of micro-supercapacitors are useful for future European space applications.
In GRAPHERGIA, German Aerospace Center (DLR) will process solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) using non-flammable and non-aqueous ionic liquids contained into polymer matrices to be casted on graphene-based electrodes. The devices will be encapsulated into stretchable coatings (e.g. PDMS) to enhance life cycle and prevent leakage. Complete electrochemical characterization (capacity, charging/discharging rate and stability) and device performance evaluation will be performed by CV, GCD, and EIS. DLR is also involved in the Demonstrator #1. All-in-one self-charging textile capable of energy harvesting and storage (Task 5.2) and the Demonstrator #2. Self-powered structurally integrated sensor for aerospace structures (Task 5.3).
What expectations do you have for the project from your personal/organisational perspective?
DLR will enhance their knowledge on self-charging power textiles, spin-off research efforts and technology demonstrations in partnership with project partners.
Which impact will GRAPHERGIA have on industry and society in the short and long term?
GRAPHERGIA currently follows an eco-design approach to develop technology solutions beyond exploration within the Graphene Flagship. The proposed technology is designed to inherently provide production of components using graphene that is inherently compatible with current flexible electronics requirements. TENG- based e-textiles offer green electricity and self-powered sensing new applications in healthcare monitoring, fitness, wellness, human–machine interfaces, IoT, and AI. This brings new possibilities for a wider market, and sectors that can benefit from the “batteryless technology for wearables”. The GRAPHERGIA miniaturized self-powered device will meet the current market demand.
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?
GRAPHERGIA will contribute to Graphene Flagship outcomes by offering a new technology perspective. Other 2D materials can benefit from the proposed fabrication processes. The environment friendly production of graphene-based electrodes is aligned with the EU SET Plan. Next generation e-textiles will provide climate-neutral digital solutions in a variety of ways with the final goal of citizen welfare. GRAPHERGIA addresses a key current challenge in graphene technology and applications. The widespread use of the project innovations goes beyond the value chains, and is going to help European markets achieve digital sovereignty, helping SMEs and start-ups to compete with large non-EU companies, leading to revenue and growth, which will stimulate the creation of high added-value technology jobs.