NU scientists develop next-gen flexible supercapacitor

In a significant scientific breakthrough, researchers at Nagaland University (NU) have developed a flexible supercapacitor capable of powering next-generation wearable electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy systems.
The study is the first to compare tungsten, vanadium, and cobalt doping in molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) for energy storage. The team went beyond lab-scale experiments to build a working prototype, demonstrating its practical viability.
The research, led by Dr. Vijeth H, assistant professor, Department of Physics, along with research scholar Pewe-u Marhu, was published in RSC Advances, a peer-reviewed journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Dr. Vijeth explained that the device combines flexibility, high energy storage, and durability—critical features for wearable and portable technologies. Among the materials tested, cobalt doping proved most effective.
He said the research highlights scientific excellence from the North East and contributes to India’s vision of sustainable, self-reliant energy solutions under Atmanirbhar Bharat. Pewe-u Marhu added that the next steps include optimising the electrode–electrolyte interface, enhancing safety with solid-state gel electrolytes, scaling up production, and exploring industry collaborations for commercialisation.
Developed at NU’s Advanced Materials for Device Applications (AMDA) Laboratory, the cobalt-doped MoSe2 (Co@MoSe2) device delivers an energy density of 34.54 Wh/kg and remains stable over 10,000 charge–discharge cycles, even after repeated bending and twisting. The research was carried out with advanced characterisation support from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, under INUP programme, and funded by Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Government of India.
The innovation could enhance wearables, robotics, and EVs by improving regenerative braking, acceleration, and battery lifespan, while reducing dependence on imported batteries.