Transparent, silicon-free and flexible photovoltaic cells based on graphene quantum dots synthesized from bio-waste

Future Energy from Biowaste – Innovative Photovoltaics

Can fruit peels, vegetable scraps, or lawn clippings play a role in generating solar energy? Research into such a method is being conducted at the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering at the Lodz University of Technology. A team led by Dr. Eng. Piotr Zawadzki is developing graphene quantum dots - carbon nanostructures produced from biowaste that make it possible to create lightweight, flexible, and transparent photovoltaic cells. Thanks to the promising results of his research, the scientist became a participant in the first edition of the PRIME program - a science commercialization support program implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science using funds from the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) program. As part of the PRIME project, Dr. Zawadzki and his team-Grzegorz Kawałek (Technology Transfer Manager) and Łukasz Kaczmarek (Business Leader) - will develop competencies in the implementation and commercialization of their research.

The breakthrough nature of the technology being developed by Dr. Zawadzki lies in the specific properties of the photovoltaic cells, namely their lightweight construction, flexibility, and environmentally friendly impact. As the researcher himself says: "Every day working with nanomaterials is a challenge - even an addition on the order of a fraction of a percent can radically change the properties of the material." The project combines advanced nanotechnology with the principles of the circular economy. As a result, "garbage" becomes a source of valuable material that is non - toxic, safe for humans, and easy to recycle.

The goal of the grant project is to create a new generation of photovoltaic panels that will be not only efficient, but also eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Unlike traditional silicon panels, the solution being developed utilizes biowaste as a raw material and eliminates the need for harmful chemicals - water is the sole reaction medium. The new cells can be fully integrated into building facades and glazing, allowing entire architectural surfaces to be used to generate clean energy. They can also increase the efficiency of conventional panels by creating hybrid solutions. The team plans to establish a spin-off company, which is why the support provided by the PRIME program will serve to better implement and commercialize the ongoing research.

"We are making photovoltaics out of garbage. Garbage can become an added value. Garbage becomes an added value - it can transform into a technology that supports the energy transition," the scientist briefly summarizes.

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PRIME is the only "tailor-made" acceleration program for the transfer of knowledge and technology for scientists and their research organizations in Poland, offering support for an individual commercialization path for innovative products. The program provides the opportunity to both develop competencies (e.g., training) and acquire practical skills (e.g., talks with potential recipients). For the authors of the best ideas, individualized support is provided to implement the chosen commercialization path. The PRIME project is financed by the European Funds for a Modern Economy (#FENG) program. The project is implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science (#FNP).