Lumami: Researchers at Nagaland University have developed a sustainable hydrogel-based electrolyte that could make next-generation energy storage devices safer, more durable, and environmentally friendly.
The research team has created a quasi-solid hydrogel membrane using chitosan—a biodegradable natural polymer—offering an alternative to conventional liquid electrolytes commonly used in supercapacitors. Liquid electrolytes, while effective, often pose risks such as leakage, volatility, and safety hazards.
Supercapacitors are widely used in renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and portable electronics due to their ability to charge rapidly and endure thousands of charge-discharge cycles. However, improving their safety and longevity has remained a key challenge.
To address this, the Nagaland University team engineered a hydrogel electrolyte in which potassium oxalate acts as an ionic crosslinker.
This enables the formation of a stable three-dimensional network that supports efficient ion transport while maintaining structural integrity. The resulting material combines the high ionic conductivity of liquid electrolytes with the mechanical stability of solids.
The researchers demonstrated the technology by building a prototype supercapacitor capable of powering a red LED indicator, underscoring its practical potential.
The findings, published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, show that the device maintained stable performance over 46,000 charge-discharge cycles, indicating strong durability and long-term reliability.
The study was led by research scholar Dipankar Hazarika, along with Nuphizo Shijoh and Marjo A. Kichu, under the supervision of Dr. Nurul Alam Choudhury.
According to the researchers, the technology has reached Technology Readiness Level 3 (TRL-3), meaning it has been successfully demonstrated at the laboratory proof-of-concept stage. A startup initiative based on the hydrogel electrolyte materials has also emerged from the university, pointing to future commercial potential.
The team said the innovation could support safer and more sustainable energy storage systems, particularly in applications such as renewable energy integration and electric mobility.
Future research will focus on scaling up production, integrating the material into commercial supercapacitor modules, and testing performance under real-world conditions. Work is also planned on developing flexible and wearable energy storage devices using the same technology.
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