Nagaland University-led research team develops cost-effective material for use in next generation energy storage devices

The Hindu

05-05-2025

The Nagaland University-led multi-institute research team has developed a 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. The high cost of these materials has been a barrier to widespread use. Suraj Kumar, DST-INSPIRE Fellow, Nagaland University said, 'The material itself is not indigenous; however, the process developed for its synthesis can be considered indigenous. While supercapacitors differ significantly from batteries in their operation and characteristics, the energy density of our tested supercapacitor is comparable to that of Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries'.
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.
The team
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 a cost-effective method to produce high-performance 'functionalised 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 in iScience, an open-access journal from Cell Press that provides a platform for original research in the life, physical, social, earth, social, and health sciences. Elaborating on this research, Prof. Dipak Sinha, Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University, said, 'Unlike traditional methods that are time-consuming and resource-intensive, this new approach operates under moderate temperature and pressure conditions, making it energy-efficient, faster, and more suitable for large-scale production.'
Prof. Dipak Sinha added, 'The resulting material not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also delivers significantly enhanced performance, enabling a supercapacitor with a wide 2.2 V electrochemical window, an energy density exceeding 50 Wh/kg, and 98% energy retention after 10,000 cycles. Notably, it achieves a fivefold increase in gravimetric energy density compared to its non-aminated counterpart, demonstrating both scientific novelty and commercial potential.'
Elaborating further on the advantages of this new method, Mr. Kumar added, 'Traditional methods demand high temperatures, elevated pressures, and lengthy processing times, which add to the complexity and cost of production. Conventional methods typically involve converting bulk graphite into graphene oxide, followed by a series of steps to reduce and functionalize it. The developed process in contrast, is a one-pot synthesis that directly transforms bulk graphite into aminated graphene. This process not only reduces time and resource usage but also operates under moderate temperature and pressure, making it scalable and energy-efficient. Notably, it stands out as one of the quickest methods available for producing this material.'