First-of-its-kind study at NU Lumami could boost India’s clean energy push
Nagaland University researchers have developed a flexible supercapacitor device capable of powering next-generation wearable electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy systems, a breakthrough that has the potential to transform energy storage technologies.
This is a first-of-its-kind study to compare tungsten, vanadium, and cobalt doping in molybdenum diselenide for energy storage, an update received here stated. Significantly, the researchers went beyond lab-scale material development and built a working prototype of the flexible supercapacitor, demonstrating its practical viability.
While the immediate applications include health-monitoring devices, IoT gadgets, and robotics, the innovation also holds potential for electric vehicles.
“Flexible supercapacitors like these could improve regenerative braking systems, provide quick acceleration boosts, and extend battery lifespans. Such Research could help India reduce dependence on imported batteries while boosting clean energy and storage technologies under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” it stated.
The Research was undertaken by Dr Vijeth H, the Lead researcher who formulated the research idea, methodology, and conceptualization, along Ms Pewe-u Marhu, Research Scholar, who conducted experimental work under the guidance of Dr Vijeth H. The findings were published in RSC Advances (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D5RA03192C), a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Elaborating on this Research, Dr Vijeth H, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Nagaland University, said, “This device combines flexibility, high energy storage, and durability, which are critical for future portable and wearable technologies. The study is the first to compare tungsten, vanadium, and cobalt doping in molybdenum diselenide for energy storage. Among them, cobalt proved most effective. The team used a simple, eco-friendly hydrothermal process to synthesise the material, making the innovation scalable for industrial adoption.”
Dr. Vijeth H added, “This research not only showcases scientific excellence from the North East but also strengthens India’s path toward sustainable and self-reliant energy solutions.”
Further, Ms Pewe-u Marhu, Research Scholar, Department of Physics, Nagaland University, said, “The next steps involve optimising the electrode–electrolyte interface, improving safety with solid-state gel electrolytes, and scaling up the process to pilot-level production. Industry collaborations are also being explored to bring the technology closer to commercialisation.”
The device, created at the Advanced Materials for Device Applications (AMDA) Research Laboratory in Lumami campus of the University, uses cobalt-doped molybdenum diselenide (Co@MoSe‚ ), a cutting-edge two-dimensional (2D) material. It delivers an impressive energy density of 34.54 W h kg{ ¹ and remains stable over 10,000 charge–discharge cycles, while also retaining performance even after repeated bending and twisting.
The research was carried out entirely at Nagaland University with advanced characterisation support from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore through its INUP Program. Funding came from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India, which is also driving a national initiative on 2D materials.
“With the rapid growth of wearables, electric mobility, and renewable energy, reliable and efficient storage devices are in high demand. By combining flexibility, durability, and high energy density, the Nagaland University team has taken a significant step forward,” it added.
