Nagaland University Secures Patent for Innovative Green Energy Storage Technology
Dimapur, November 3, 2025 — Nagaland University has made a significant breakthrough in eco-friendly energy storage by developing and patenting a biodegradable gelatin-based hydrogel electrolyte designed for safer and high-performance supercapacitors. The university’s pioneering work marks a forward step in advancing green technology for sustainable energy applications.
Breakthrough in Biodegradable Hydrogel Electrolyte
The research team at Nagaland University engineered a novel ‘KI-doped glyoxal-crosslinked gelatin hydrogel membrane electrolyte’ (GNHME). This material integrates gelatin, a natural biodegradable protein, with glyoxal—a chemical crosslinking agent that improves the membrane’s mechanical flexibility—and potassium iodide (KI), which acts as a redox-active dopant to enhance ionic conductivity and capacitance.
This combination results in a semi-transparent, flexible hydrogel that exhibits excellent ion conduction capabilities while retaining stability across thousands of charge-discharge cycles. Such properties make it highly suitable for use in next-generation solid-state supercapacitors, which are critical components for efficient energy storage in modern electronic devices and renewable energy systems.
Patent and Publication
The technology was officially granted an Indian patent (Patent No. 570983) on September 22, 2025, underscoring the originality and potential impact of the innovation. Furthermore, the research findings have been published in the prestigious international journal Materials Today Chemistry, a peer-reviewed Q1 category journal with an impact factor of 6.7, highlighting the academic quality of the work.
Research Team and Funding
The project was led by principal investigator Dr. Nurul Alam Choudhury, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, with lead researcher Duangailung Kamei and co-researcher Dipankar Hazarika contributing significantly. The study received financial support from prominent bodies including the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Statements from University Leadership and Researchers
Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, expressed pride in the researchers’ accomplishment, stating, “This innovation reflects our commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and contributing to a greener future. I congratulate our research team for their dedication, which enhances our role in promoting scientific excellence and environmental responsibility.”
Dr. Choudhury commented, “The development of biodegradable, redox-active solid electrolytes is an important step towards eco-friendly, high-performance energy storage systems that align with renewable energy integration. This technology could be pivotal in electric mobility and green energy applications, supporting India’s sustainable development goals.”
Advantages and Practical Applications
Compared to conventional liquid electrolytes, the developed quasi-solid gelatin-glyoxal hydrogel electrolyte offers several key benefits. It is biodegradable, preventing environmental harm, leak-proof to ensure safety, and displays exceptional electrochemical performance. The hydrogel possesses a superabsorbent property, capable of absorbing water up to 717%, and the inclusion of KI notably enhances energy and power densities of the supercapacitors.
Prototypes utilizing this membrane have successfully powered LED lamps for extended periods, demonstrating practical functionality and potential for real-world deployment.
Future Directions
Lead researcher Kamei revealed ongoing efforts to refine the dopant composition to further boost energy storage capacity and device longevity. The team is also focusing on scaling up membrane fabrication and integrating it with commercial-grade electrodes to evaluate performance in more demanding energy storage environments.
Research scholar Hazarika emphasized the wider significance of their work, remarking, “This development highlights India’s growing contribution to global clean energy research. Our cost-effective, environmentally benign electrolyte technology promises to enable the next generation of supercapacitors, fostering cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy solutions.”
Implications for Sustainable Energy
This innovation addresses critical issues in energy storage safety and environmental impact. By replacing harmful liquid electrolytes with a biodegradable gelatin-based hydrogel, risks such as leakage, overheating, and chemical pollution are substantially minimized. The breakthrough potentially sets a new standard for the construction of supercapacitors using environmentally friendly materials.
Nagaland University’s patented green energy storage technology thus promises to play a vital role in the global transition towards sustainable energy systems and eco-conscious scientific advancements.
For further information, contact Nagaland University’s Department of Chemistry or visit their official website.
