Breakthrough in Flexible Energy Storage from Nagaland University
Researchers at Nagaland University have unveiled a flexible supercapacitor capable of powering next-generation wearable electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable-energy systems. This development, supported by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), could mark a shift in India’s approach to energy storage, reducing dependence on imported batteries and supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
From Lab to Prototype: A Practical Advance
Unlike many energy-storage studies that stay at the material level, the Nagaland team demonstrated a working prototype. The device uses cobalt-doped molybdenum diselenide as a cutting-edge two-dimensional (2D) material to achieve both flexibility and high energy density. The prototype’s performance suggests it can sustain real-world wearables, IoT devices, robotics, and potentially energy-intensive applications such as EV regenerative braking.
Key Performance Highlights
The device delivers an energy density of 34.54 Wh kg⁻¹ and remains stable over more than 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. It also maintains performance under repeated bending and twisting, addressing a major challenge for flexible energy-storage devices intended for wearables and portable electronics. The combination of flexibility, durability, and energy capacity is crucial for the next generation of portable technology.
Why This Matters for Wearables and Mobility
Wearables and smart devices demand energy storage that can bend with the human body or be integrated into clothing and accessories without compromising safety or longevity. Flexible supercapacitors like this one can provide quick energy bursts, support smooth operation of sensors and actuators, and potentially extend the life of primary batteries in devices ranging from health monitors to robotics.
A Step Toward National Energy Independence
Dr. Vijeth H, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Nagaland University, notes that the study is the first to compare tungsten, vanadium, and cobalt doping in molybdenum diselenide for energy storage, with cobalt emerging as the most effective dopant. “The device combines flexibility, high energy storage, and durability, which are critical for future portable and wearable technologies,” he said. The researchers see this work as strengthening India’s path toward sustainable, self-reliant energy solutions.
Near-Term Applications and Future Plans
The current achievements mainly target health-monitoring devices, Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets, and robotics. However, the lab envisions broader applications, including improved regenerative braking systems in EVs and faster acceleration boosts from energy-dense, flexible storage layers. As the technology matures, developers aim to optimize the electrode–electrolyte interface and explore solid-state gel electrolytes to enhance safety.
Path to Commercialisation
Lead researchers emphasize that next steps involve scaling up production from the lab to pilot-level manufacturing. Collaborative efforts with industry partners are being explored to translate this flexible supercapacitor from a compelling prototype to a market-ready component that could contribute to cleaner energy and more resilient power networks in India.
What This Means for the Future of Energy Storage
In a landscape where wearables, electric mobility, and renewable energy are expanding rapidly, reliable and flexible storage technologies are essential. The Nagaland University work demonstrates that advanced 2D materials, like cobalt-doped MoSe2, can merge high energy density with mechanical flexibility, enabling new device architectures and longer-lasting portable power. If scaled, the technology could reduce reliance on imported batteries while accelerating the adoption of clean energy across sectors.
With continued research, industry collaboration, and a focus on safety and manufacturability, the flexible supercapacitor could become a cornerstone of India’s energy ecosystem, supporting both personal wearables and nationwide clean-energy goals.
