Low-cost supercapacitor breakthrough by Nagaland University

May 6, 2025 | 0 Comment

In a breakthrough for India’s clean energy ambitions, a research team led by Nagaland University has developed a patented, cost-effective method to produce high-performance electrode materials for next-generation supercapacitors. This innovation could lower costs and accelerate the adoption of advanced energy storage systems across sectors like electric mobility, defence, and renewable energy.

Energy storage - freepik

Image credit: Freepik

A multi-institutional team led by Nagaland University has developed a patented, low-cost method to manufacture high-performance electrode materials, potentially revolutionising the future of energy storage. This innovation could make supercapacitors—devices known for their ability to store large amounts of energy and charge rapidly—more affordable and scalable. Supercapacitors play a crucial role in electric vehicles, renewable energy grids, and stabilisation systems, but the high cost of electrode materials has limited their widespread use.

The research team created a novel process to produce functionalized graphene, a derivative of reduced graphene oxide. This material significantly enhances the performance and cost-efficiency of supercapacitors. According to Professor Dipak Sinha from the Department of Chemistry at Nagaland University, the new technique operates at moderate temperatures and pressures, making it less resource-intensive and more suitable for large-scale manufacturing compared to traditional methods.

The process delivers impressive results: it boosts gravimetric energy density fivefold over non-aminated materials and retains over 98% energy after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. Initial testing reveals an energy density above 50 Wh/kg and an electrochemical window of 2.2 volts, placing the technology on par with international standards.

Nagaland University collaborated with Visvesvaraya Technological University and Nagarjuna College of Engineering and Technology in Karnataka for the project. The innovation has already secured an Indian patent, and discussions are underway for commercial partnerships. Researchers believe the material could find valuable applications in sectors like electric mobility, defence, and critical infrastructure, potentially making India a key player in advanced energy storage technologies.

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