GraphEnergyTech CEO Dr. Thomas Baumeler talked with Proactive about the company’s role in a groundbreaking solar energy project. The initiative, known as GETPSC (Graphene Electrode Technology for Perovskite Solar Cells), is a collaboration between GraphEnergyTech, the University of Cambridge, Taiwan Perovskite Solar Corporation, and ITRI.
Baumeler explained that current solar cells rely on expensive silver electrodes, which degrade when in contact with Perovskite Solar Cells. GraphEnergyTech aims to replace these with graphene-based electrodes, offering a more stable and cost-effective alternative. "Graphene is one of the most interesting materials out there," he said, highlighting its durability and lower cost compared to silver.
Perovskite Solar Cells are considered the next major advancement in photovoltaics due to their efficiency and simpler manufacturing process. However, industrial-scale adoption has been hindered by the lack of a viable nonmetallic electrode—something GraphEnergyTech aims to solve.
Baumeler also noted that GraphEnergyTech is working on replacing silver electrodes in traditional silicon-based solar cells while exploring applications for its conductive carbon-based technology in batteries, supercapacitors, and electronics.
Proactive: I'm joined by Thomas Baumeler, CEO of GraphEnergyTech, a Frontier IP Group portfolio company. Thomas, very good to speak with you. Could you start by telling us what the project will aim to do?
Thomas Baumeler: Yes, hi, good afternoon, Stephen. Very good to be speaking with you as well. The project, GETPSC (Graphene Electrode Technology for Perovskite Solar Cells), focuses on developing graphene electrodes for Perovskite Solar Cells. It’s a collaboration between the UK and Taiwan, involving the University of Cambridge, GraphEnergyTech, Taiwan Perovskite Solar Corporation, and ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute), a well-known research center in Taiwan.
The whole aim of the project is to develop a new type of solar cell—Perovskite Solar Cells—integrating our graphene electrodes.
Proactive: Why graphene, Thomas?
Thomas Baumeler: Currently, solar cells rely on metallic electrodes, primarily silver. This presents two main issues. First, silver is expensive, making it a major cost factor for the solar industry. Secondly, with Perovskite Solar Cells, silver electrodes degrade upon contact with the solar cells, creating a chemical stability issue.
To fully commercialize Perovskite Solar Cells, a nonmetallic alternative is required. Graphene is highly stable and inert to these solar cells, making it an ideal replacement. Additionally, it is far more cost-effective than silver.
Proactive: And why Perovskite?
Thomas Baumeler: Perovskite is considered the next big advancement in photovoltaics. All major solar cell manufacturers are researching this technology. It was first discovered 16 years ago in Japan and has immense potential.
Perovskite Solar Cells are as efficient as traditional silicon-based solar cells but are significantly easier and cheaper to manufacture. Instead of requiring extreme temperatures of over 2000°C, as with silicon solar cells, Perovskite Solar Cells can be produced at around 150°C.
However, the main challenge preventing large-scale industrial adoption is the lack of a suitable nonmetallic electrode. Our graphene-based technology aims to solve this issue.
Proactive: Thomas, are there any other benefits from this project?
Thomas Baumeler: The benefits go both ways. For us, collaborating with Taiwan Perovskite Solar Corporation and ITRI is highly valuable, as Taiwan is a key hub for semiconductor technology.
At the same time, our Taiwanese partners benefit from working with the University of Cambridge, which is renowned for innovation, and with GraphEnergyTech, as we are pioneering nonmetallic, highly conductive electrode technology. It’s a strong collaboration for all parties involved.
Proactive: What’s next for GraphEnergyTech?
Thomas Baumeler: Right now, we are focused on ramping up sales. Our first product for Perovskite Solar Cells is ready, developed in collaboration with a Swiss startup. We are continuously improving the technology.
This specific project with Taiwan will allow us to further enhance the product for Perovskite applications, making it even more efficient and cost-effective.
Simultaneously, we are working on replacing silver electrodes in traditional silicon solar cells. This means we are running both projects in parallel—focusing on research and development while targeting broader market applications.
Beyond solar energy, our conductive carbon-based technology has potential in other industries, such as batteries, electronics, and supercapacitors. We are already beginning exploratory projects with partners in these areas. There is a lot more to come for GraphEnergyTech.
Proactive: Hopefully, we’ll be chatting about it in the near future. Thank you very much for speaking with us today.