Nagaland University develops biodegradable gelatin-based electrolyte

Nagaland University (NU) researchers have developed a novel eco-friendly gelatin-based hydrogel membrane electrolyte, which offers a safe, flexible, and biodegradable alternative to conventional electrolytes used in supercapacitors.
Supercapacitors are fast-charging, high-output energy storage devices used in everything from electric vehicles to emergency medical equipment. A press release issued by the university stated that this research could pave the way for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. It also holds the potential to have a great impact on sustainable energy storage, particularly in devices such as electric vehicles, medical wearables, and portable electronics. Traditional energy storage systems often use liquid electrolytes that can leak, corrode components, and cause environmental damage.
However, to address these challenges, the NU research team created a ‘KI-doped glyoxal-crosslinked gelatin hydrogel membrane electrolyte’ (GNHME).
This innovative material combines gelatin, a naturally biodegradable protein, with glyoxal, a crosslinking agent that enhances mechanical flexibility, and potassium iodide (KI), a redox-active dopant that boosts ionic conductivity and capacitance.
The result is a semi-transparent, flexible hydrogel that safely conducts ions and maintains stability over thousands of charge-discharge cycles, making it ideal for next-generation solid-state supercapacitors.
The findings of this Research Team were published in Materials Today Chemistry, a reputed peer-reviewed international Q1 category journal with an Impact Factor of 6.7. (paper link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtchem.2024.102470). An Indian patent for this technology has been granted to Nagaland University (Patent No.: 570983; Date of grant: 22/09/2025).
The paper was co-authored by Duangailung Kamei (Lead researcher), Dipankar Hazarika (co-researcher) and Supervisor and Principal Investigator NU, Dr. Nurul Alam Choudhury. The research was funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
Lauding the researchers, NU vice chancellor Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik said this remarkable achievement by NU researchers reflected its commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and contributing to a greener future. He congratulated the research team for their dedication and pioneering work.
Elaborating on this research, Dr. Nurul Alam Choudhury, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University, said the development of biodegradable, redox-active solid electrolytes marked an important step toward realising eco-friendly, high-performance energy storage systems compatible with renewable energy integration.
Dr. Choudhury said this technology could play a key role in electric mobility and green energy applications, aligning with India’s sustainable development goals.
Prototype supercapacitors built using this membrane have already demonstrated their practical utility by powering LED lamps for extended durations, marking a significant milestone toward real-world applications.
Lead researcher Kamei said that the team was currently working to optimise dopant composition to further enhance energy density and extend the lifespan of the devices.
Hazarika said this breakthrough could result in the development of future supercapacitors that are built with safer, more environmentally friendly materials.