Nagaland University secures patent for green energy storage technology

DIMAPUR — Nagaland University has claimed to have developed a biodegradable gelatin-based hydrogel membrane electrolyte for safer and high-performance supercapacitors, marking a breakthrough in eco-friendly energy storage technology.

According to an update, the research team created a ‘KI-doped glyoxal-crosslinked gelatin hydrogel membrane electrolyte’ (GNHME) combining gelatin, a biodegradable protein, with glyoxal, a crosslinking agent that enhances mechanical flexibility, and potassium iodide (KI), a redox-active dopant that improves 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 were published in ‘Materials Today Chemistry’, a peer-reviewed international Q1 category journal with an impact factor of 6.7. An Indian patent for the technology has been granted to Nagaland University (patent no. 570983; date of grant: September 22, 2025).

The research was conducted by lead researcher Duangailung Kamei, co-researcher Dipankar Hazarika, and supervisor and principal investigator Dr. Nurul Alam Choudhury of Nagaland University. The project was funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik, said, “Nagaland University is proud of this remarkable achievement by our researchers in developing a biodegradable gelatin-based electrolyte for safer and high-performance supercapacitors. This innovation reflects our commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and contributing to a greener future. I congratulate the research team for their dedication and pioneering work, which enhances the university’s role in promoting scientific excellence and environmental responsibility.”

Elaborating on this research, Dr. Nurul Alam Choudhury, assistant professor, Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University, said, “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. This technology could play a key role in electric mobility and green energy applications, aligning with India’s sustainable development goals.”

Unlike conventional liquid electrolytes, this quasi-solid hydrogel is biodegradable, leak-proof, and exhibits exceptional electrochemical performance. The gelatin/glyoxal covalent hydrogel is a superabsorbent that absorbs water to the extent of 717 %. The incorporation of KI significantly improves the energy and power densities of supercapacitors, while the use of glyoxal provides excellent flexibility and resilience compared to other crosslinking agents.

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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.

Kamei said, “Currently, our team is working to optimise dopant composition to further enhance energy density and extend the lifespan of the devices. 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.”

Hazarika, Research Scholar, Nagaland University, said, “This work underscores India’s growing contribution to global clean energy research. By offering an environmentally benign, cost-effective, and high-performance alternative to traditional electrolytes, the KI-doped gelatin hydrogel technology holds immense promise for future-ready supercapacitors that can drive cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy solutions for generations to come.”

It was stated that this breakthrough could result in the development of future supercapacitors that are built with safer, more environmentally friendly materials. Because the membrane is made from gelatin, a natural protein, and uses no toxic liquid electrolyte, there is far less risk of leakage, overheating, or chemical pollution.