A flexible supercapacitor can charge, bend, and last long, making it useful for wearables, electric vehicles, and clean energy. Could this change energy storage?
Energy storage is one of the biggest challenges holding back the next generation of wearable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. Batteries, while powerful, are rigid and slow to charge, limiting design flexibility and device performance. Supercapacitors, known for their quick charge and discharge cycles, offer a way forward, but making them flexible and energy dense enough for real-world use has been difficult.
Researchers at Nagaland University have addressed this challenge by developing a flexible supercapacitor that combines high energy density, durability, and mechanical flexibility. This technology is designed for engineers and product developers working on wearables, IoT devices, robotics, and electric vehicles, where compact, fast-charging, and bendable power sources are critical.
At the heart of the device is cobalt-doped molybdenum diselenide (Co@MoSe₂), a two-dimensional material that delivers an impressive energy density of 34.54 W h kg⁻¹ and remains stable for over 10,000 charge–discharge cycles. Even after repeated bending and twisting, the device retains its performance, making it a strong candidate for use in flexible and portable systems.
Unlike typical studies that stop at material synthesis, the Nagaland University team went further—building a working prototype that demonstrates practical viability. Their research compared tungsten, vanadium, and cobalt doping in MoSe₂ and found cobalt to be the most effective for energy storage. The material was synthesised using a simple, eco-friendly hydrothermal process, which makes scaling up to industrial production more feasible.
For wearables, such a device could power health-monitoring sensors without rigid battery packs. In EVs, flexible supercapacitors could improve regenerative braking and acceleration while extending overall battery life. On a national scale, this innovation aligns with India’s push for self-reliant and clean energy technologies, potentially reducing dependence on imported batteries.
The next phase of work will focus on optimising the electrode–electrolyte interface, enhancing safety with solid-state gel electrolytes, and scaling production for pilot-level deployment. Industry partnerships are being explored to transition the technology from the lab to market-ready products.
