Applications of Graphene Batteries

We are going to analyze the different applications that we can have with this type of battery:

  • Mobile devices: it is one of the most important applications that can be given to this type of battery. With improved performance of mobile operating systems and screen quality, battery life is reduced. Therefore, the development of graphene batteries to increase the battery life of a mobile phone can be a great option to compete in the market. This is not only aimed at mobile phones but also tablets and other electronic devices.
  • Watches: The evolution of smartwatches makes it necessary to have a longer battery life to benefit performance.
  • Electric vehicles: due to its characteristics, the power could be increased, and there would be more durability so that the energy could be used to the maximum and costs is reduced.
  • Bracelets, headphones, and gadgets: one of the advantages that graphene offers as a high-performance material is that its small size makes it adaptable to all kinds of places, which is why they fit into a whole range of varieties of gadgets.

The graphene materials used in the new developments have been characterized by analytical, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques. These techniques have allowed us to know its physicochemical characteristics, composition, and morphology. In this way, there is an analysis of the fingerprint of the graphene before it is integrated into the device, according to ITE researchers.

In addition, thermal stability tests have also been carried out by characterizing the material. In parallel, work has been carried out to deposit thin and transparent films of these materials on arbitrary substrates, which will act as a sensor, evaluating their uniformity and electrical conductivity.

Also, graphene has been integrated into the electrode compositions for batteries, optimizing the preparation process and studying its most appropriate proportions, in search of applications of solar energy and graphene.

Technological Institute of Energy (ITE) has a line of research focused on the development of polymeric and carbonaceous materials applied to the development of energy generation and storage systems. “With the use of a novel nanomaterial with extraordinary properties such as graphene, it is intended to go one step further in improving this type of device,” they explain.

Solar and Graphene Panels

Silicon heterojunction technology emerges as a potential low-temperature solution since these are devices with excellent performance and low energy consumption in their manufacture.

One of the advances in this technology requires the development of a new transparent front electrode architectures that allow the current to be extracted from the device more efficiently.

In this sense, the use of graphene, the strongest material is known in nature, attracts great interest. It is thought to be a substitute for even such important materials as silicon itself in some applications.

The expectations generated for this material are being enormous, and there is no doubt that it presents exceptional properties that, in principle, could mean a true technological revolution due to its specific characteristics.

These are identical installations to current photovoltaic plants, capable of transforming sunlight into a constant flow of electricity, which has a layer of graphene in its coating.

The Positive Advancement of Solar Energy And Graphene

The first results obtained reveal that the optoelectronic properties of the transparent graphene-based electrode depend dramatically on the order in which the atomic graphene layers are found.

So much so that sheet resistance values of 55Ω / Sq has been obtained when graphene is placed on top of the electrode, and 150Ω / Sq, when graphene is located on the back of the electrode (covered by transparent conductive oxide).

Regarding its optical properties, it has been observed that the transmittance of the set is not affected by the position of the graphene. The comparison of the spectral reflectance with and without graphene transferred in the upper part, allow us to determine a significant reduction in this value, essential for the device, thus validating the new architecture.

These electrodes will be applied in the very near future on a silicon heterojunction photovoltaic device. All this with the intention of turning into reality the use of one of the most promising materials that exist, also contributing to the improvement of the generation of clean and sustainable energy.

Previous Experiences of Solar Energy And Graphene

Chinese researchers have done the research to link solar energy and graphene. The result has been a novel device.

The mechanism is as follows: Rainwater contains, among other things, ammonium, calcium, and sodium ions, which react with graphene to form what experts in power electronics call a supercapacitor. The potential difference between the graphene layer and the water layer is so great that an exchange of electrons occurs when rain hits the solar panel.

In their calculations, the scientists explain that the performance of the panel on sunny days would be 7% (the graphene layer reduces efficiency on sunny days, which in the normal panels already reaches 20%), while its generating capacity from the rain would be several hundred microvolts.

That makes the initial design and unfeasible solution in today’s market. However, if scientists were able to improve their operation, this type of installation could perhaps complement conventional photovoltaic parks in areas with fewer hours of sunlight and receiving more rainfall.

Conclusion

Thus, Graphene Solar Batteries are incredible and will revolutionize the energy sector. Graphene is said to be the building tool for almost everything in the future. Its properties are impressive; it is not only very resistant, but it also conducts electricity very well. A layer of graphene, barely an atom thick, is enough for electrons to move freely across the surface of photovoltaic panels. It is being said that lithium batteries are out of date. This new technology improves the batteries, which will make the user more autonomous and reliable. Hopefully, soon we can enjoy the efficiency of graphene batteries.