Researchers at Nagaland University have created a biodegradable, gel-based material that could lead to safer and more environmentally friendly power sources for a wide range of electronics. The innovation aims to replace conventional, often hazardous, materials used in high-performance energy storage devices called supercapacitors.
The new material is a flexible, water-based gel made primarily from gelatin, a natural protein. Unlike the liquid electrolytes found in many of today’s energy storage units, which can leak and cause pollution, this solid gel is leak-proof and breaks down naturally. Prototypes using this gel have successfully powered LED lamps for extended periods, demonstrating its potential for real-world use.
“The development of biodegradable, redox-active solid electrolytes marks an important step toward realising eco-friendly, high-performance energy storage systems compatible with renewable energy integration,” said Dr Nurul Alam Choudhury, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at Nagaland University. “This technology could play a key role in electric mobility and green energy applications, aligning with India's sustainable development goals.”
The research, which has been granted an Indian patent and published in the journal Materials Today Chemistry, was funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The university’s vice chancellor, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, praised the team's work. “Nagaland University is proud of this remarkable achievement by our researchers,” Patnaik said. “This innovation reflects our commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and contributing to a greener future.”
The team is now focused on optimising the new material to store more energy and last longer. “The next phase involves scaling up the fabrication of these hydrogel membranes and integrating them with commercial-grade electrodes to assess performance in real-world energy storage systems,” said Duangailung Kamei, the project’s lead researcher.
This advancement highlights a growing shift towards using sustainable, non-toxic materials in electronics, which could lower production costs and reduce the environmental footprint of everything from electric cars to wearable medical devices. |
