BITS Pilani Hyderabad researchers develop graphene electrode for improved supercapacitor performance

Researchers at the BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus have developed a new graphene-based electrode that could improve the performance and lifespan of supercapacitors, an emerging energy storage technology used in portable electronics, wearable devices, and microelectronic systems.

The work was carried out by scientists at the MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab and published recently in the journal Surfaces and Interfaces. The research focuses on phosphorus-doped laser-induced graphene (PLIG), a material designed to increase the efficiency of supercapacitors while remaining low-cost and scalable for manufacturing.

Supercapacitors store and release energy much faster than conventional batteries and are considered important for future electronic systems. However, existing laser-induced graphene materials have faced limitations in energy storage capacity. To address this, the research team introduced phosphorus atoms into the graphene structure to improve conductivity and electrochemical activity.

The fabrication process involved mixing liquid polyimide with phosphoric acid, coating it onto filter paper, and exposing it to a blue diode laser. The laser converts the carbon-rich material into a porous graphene network without requiring expensive manufacturing techniques such as chemical vapour deposition or lithography.

According to the researchers, the new electrode showed nearly eight times higher conductivity than conventional laser-induced graphene. The study also reported high specific capacitance and about 98% capacitance retention after 6,000 charge-discharge cycles, indicating strong long-term stability.

Head, Center for Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technologies at BITS Pilani here, Sanket Goel, also the corresponding author of the study, said the work demonstrates how controlled phosphorus doping can improve graphene performance while maintaining scalability for practical applications. Lead author Sowmya Sree Palavai said the focus was on developing a process suitable for real-world energy storage devices.

The researchers said the technology could be useful in wearable electronics, flexible energy storage systems, on-chip power devices, and other high-power electronic applications.