Nagaland University-led multi-institute research team has developed an innovative and cost-effective method to create an advanced material for building next-generation energy storage devices called ‘Supercapacitors’.
They are gaining attention due to their ability to store large amounts of energy and charge very quickly, unlike traditional batteries.
These devices are widely seen as a potential solution to the growing demand for more efficient and sustainable energy systems. A critical part of a supercapacitor’s performance is the material used for its electrodes. However, the high cost of these materials has been a barrier to widespread use.
This research aligns closely with India’s growing focus on clean energy and environmentally responsible technologies.In this context, the team developed a new approach to produce aminated graphene, a derivative of reduced graphene oxide.
This method is notably cost-effective, faster, completing the entire procedure much more quickly than the traditional processes.Further, the obtained material also demonstrated good electrochemical properties. This kind of material can help improve the performance and lower the cost of energy storage systems. Initial lab tests have shown promising results. The research has already received an Indian patent. The research is now at a point where it can be taken further for possible commercial use.
This research was taken up by a team comprising researchers from Nagaland University, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Karnataka and Nagarjuna College of Engineering and Technology, Karnataka. They have developed cost-effective method to produce high performance ‘functionalized graphene’ supercapacitor material. It features a wide electrochemical window, good stability, and an impressive energy density.
The study was conducted by Mr. Suraj Kumar, a DST-INSPIRE Fellow, Nagaland University working under the joint supervision of Prof. Dipak Sinha, Chemistry Department, Nagaland University and Prof. Dinesh Rangappa from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Karnataka. The team also included Ms. Priyakshi Bora from Nagaland University, Mr. Kunal Roy from Visvesvaraya Technological University and Dr. Navya Rani M. from Nagarjuna College of Engineering and Technology.
The findings were published iniScience(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.112271), an open-access journal from Cell Press that provides a platform for original research in the life, physical, social, earth, social, and health sciences.
