Omani students develop graphene-based solar panel technique: Engineering students at Oman’s Sultan Qaboos University have developed a solar panel production technique that relies on polyethylene and graphene instead of crystalline silicon, according to Times of Oman. The new method can yield elastic, durable panels that are 60% more efficient at absorbing light than silicon-based alternatives, according to the students. The team will continue research with plans to manufacture solar cells at their university’s lab using locally sourced polyethylene.