High-Voltage Supercapacitor Developed by Indian Researchers

In January 2026, Indian researchers announced the development of a high-voltage supercapacitor using a dual-functional porous graphene carbon nanocomposite electrode, a breakthrough with potential applications in electric vehicles, renewable energy and grid-scale storage.

Key Points

Research Institution: The innovation has been developed at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology.
Overcoming Voltage Limits: Conventional commercial supercapacitors typically operate at 2.5–3.0 volts due to electrolyte stability and safety constraints, whereas the new system achieves a higher operating voltage of 3.4 volts.
Advanced Electrode Material: The porous graphene carbon nanocomposite electrode is dual-functional, combining water-repellent properties with high compatibility for organic electrolytes.
Enhanced Energy Performance: The new design delivers around 33% higher energy storage capacity along with high power output, addressing key limitations of existing supercapacitors.
Improved Ion Transport: Rapid electrolyte penetration into the porous structure improves ion mobility and electrochemical efficiency, reducing degradation during operation.
High Power and Durability: The device achieves power densities of up to 17,000 W/kg and retains about 96% of its performance after 15,000 charge–discharge cycles.
Eco-Friendly Manufacturing: The material is produced through a hydrothermal carbonization process using 1,2-propanediol, avoiding harsh chemicals and reducing environmental impact.