Breakthrough Overview
Researchers at Nagaland University have unveiled a flexible supercapacitor capable of powering next-generation wearable electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy systems. This study is notable not only for its substantive advancement in material science but also for its hands-on demonstration: a working prototype that proves the technology’s practical viability beyond lab-scale development. The work marks the first direct comparison of tungsten, vanadium, and cobalt doping in molybdenum diselenide (MoSe₂) for energy storage, culminating in a cobalt-doped version that delivered the strongest performance.
The project was led by Dr. Vijeth H, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Nagaland University, with experimental work carried out by Research Scholar Ms. Pewe-u Marhu. The findings, published in RSC Advances, highlight a simple, eco-friendly hydrothermal synthesis route that yields a flexible, durable electrode suitable for real-world devices.
Materials and Performance
The device relies on cobalt-doped MoSe₂ (Co@MoSe₂), a two-dimensional (2D) material chosen for its combination of flexibility, energy density, and stability. In testing, the flexible supercapacitor achieved an energy density of 34.54 Wh kg⁻¹ and maintained performance over 10,000 charge–discharge cycles. Crucially, it retained functionality when bent or twisted, a key requirement for wearables and other portable technologies.
Among the three dopants examined—tungsten, vanadium, and cobalt—cobalt proved the most effective for energy storage in this system. Dr. Vijeth H notes that the material design balances mechanical resilience with electrochemical performance, enabling adaptation to curved or foldable form factors common in modern devices.
Prototype and Practical Viability
Beyond material synthesis, the Nagaland University team demonstrated a working prototype of the flexible supercapacitor. This practical validation is a meaningful step toward industrial adoption, signaling potential pathways to scalable production and integration with consumer electronics, healthcare devices, and mobility solutions.
The researchers underscore that the approach is compatible with a scalable manufacturing pipeline. The hydrothermal process used to fabricate Co@MoSe₂ is described as straightforward and eco-friendly, offering a potentially lower-cost route to commercial-grade energy storage components.
Applications and Impact
Immediate applications include health-monitoring wearables, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and robotics, where flexible energy storage can support continuous operation in compact form factors. The technology can also play a role in regenerative braking systems, rapid acceleration boosts, and longer lifespans for batteries used in electric vehicles. The anticipated impact spans medical tech, smart infrastructure, and green energy, aligning with national goals for clean energy and self-reliance.
Experts emphasize that such advancements could reduce dependence on imported batteries while accelerating progress under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. By coupling high energy density with mechanical flexibility, the Co@MoSe₂ platform stands out as a strong candidate for the next generation of portable and wearable electronics, as well as for powertrains in electric mobility.
Next Steps and Industry Pathways
Ms. Pewe-u Marhu notes that the immediate focus is optimizing the electrode–electrolyte interface and exploring solid-state gel electrolytes to enhance safety. Scaling the process to pilot-level production and pursuing industry collaborations are on the agenda to move toward commercialisation. The collaboration with IISc Bangalore through its INUP Program provided advanced characterization support, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of this effort.
As the research ecosystem in the Northeast strengthens, Nagaland University’s AMDA Research Laboratory in Lumami positions itself at the forefront of 2D materials for energy storage. The work demonstrates how a regional institution can contribute to a national strategy that emphasizes sustainable and self-reliant energy solutions.
Conclusion
By delivering a flexible, high-energy-density supercapacitor with proven durability and a scalable synthesis route, the Nagaland University team has taken a significant step forward in energy storage technology. The Co@MoSe₂ system embodies the potential to empower wearables, EVs, and renewable-energy systems, driving innovation at the intersection of materials science and practical engineering.
