Groundbreaking flexible supercapacitor from Nagaland University
A team of researchers at Nagaland University, supported by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), has unveiled a flexible supercapacitor device with the potential to transform energy storage in India. The prototype demonstrates practical viability for powering next-generation wearable electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy systems, marking a significant step toward reducing dependence on imported batteries.
From lab-scale material to real-world device
Historically, advances in energy storage rely on lab-scale materials before transitioning to commercial products. This project goes beyond theory by presenting a working prototype of a flexible supercapacitor. The device was created at the Advanced Materials for Device Applications (AMDA) Research Laboratory in the Lumami campus, using cobalt-doped molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) — a cutting-edge two-dimensional material. The researchers say that the novelty lies not just in the material, but in the assembly of a flexible, robust energy storage device capable of sustaining wear-and-tear while delivering meaningful energy density.
Why cobalt-doped MoSe2 matters for energy storage
The team conducted a comparative study of tungsten, vanadium, and cobalt doping in MoSe2, identifying cobalt as the most effective dopant for enhancing energy storage performance. Dr. Vijeth H, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, notes that the device combines flexibility, high energy storage, and durability — traits essential for future portable and wearable technologies. The result is a device that can support rapid charge-discharge cycles without sacrificing performance, a key requirement for both consumer electronics and transportation.
Impressive performance metrics
The flexible supercapacitor achieves an energy density of 34.54 Wh/kg and maintains stability over more than 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. Importantly, its performance remains resilient under repeated bending and twisting, an essential feature for wearables and other flexible gear. These attributes position the device as a strong contender for integration into health-monitoring wearables, Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets, and robotics, as well as more demanding applications in electric mobility and renewable energy systems.
Implications for India’s energy landscape
India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat — self-reliant energy and manufacturing — gains a practical ally in this development. By advancing a flexible, high-performance storage technology, the research supports efforts to reduce dependence on imported batteries, expand clean energy storage capabilities, and enable more resilient energy systems. The success of the prototype could accelerate local manufacturing, job creation, and collaboration across academia and industry to bring cutting-edge storage solutions to market.
Next steps toward commercialization
The researchers outline a clear roadmap: optimize the electrode–electrolyte interface, explore solid-state gel electrolytes for enhanced safety, and scale the fabrication process toward pilot-level production. Industry partnerships are being explored to translate laboratory breakthroughs into commerce, with a focus on cost-effective manufacturing and reliable performance in real-world environments.
Broader impact and applications
Beyond wearables, the device could influence regenerative braking systems in EVs, provide quick acceleration boosts, and extend the lifespan of conventional batteries by handling peak power demands more efficiently. As the technology matures, it may enable a broader ecosystem of flexible, high-energy storage solutions aligned with India’s green-energy goals and the broader global push toward sustainable technologies.
Voices from the research team
Dr. Vijeth H emphasizes that the device’s unique combination of flexibility and energy density is its standout feature for the next generation of portable and wearable devices. Pewe-u Marhu, a research scholar, adds that this collaboration signals a new era of self-reliant, sustainable energy storage in India, with continued work on safety, scalability, and industry partnerships on the horizon.
As India accelerates toward a cleaner, independent energy future, the Nagaland University team’s flexible supercapacitor offers a tangible path forward — one that could redefine how we power wearables, EVs, and renewable-energy systems in the years to come.
