Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) develops sunlight-powered photo-supercapacitor integrating energy capture and storage.

Key facts

• Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, created a photo-rechargeable supercapacitor using binder-free nickel–cobalt oxide (NiCo₂O₄) nanowires on nickel foam.
• Under illumination the electrode capacitance rose by 54% from 570 to 880 millifarads per square centimetre at 15 milliamperes per square centimetre current density.
• The electrode retained 85% of its original capacity after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles.
• An asymmetric device with activated carbon negative and NiCo₂O₄ nanowire positive electrodes delivered a stable 1.2 volt output and 88% capacitance retention after 1,000 photo-charging cycles.
• Nickel substitution narrows the band gap to about 1.67 eV and induces half-metallic behaviour, enabling faster charge transport for photo-assisted storage.
• The integrated system can function without an electrical grid, supporting India’s clean-energy goals.