Research Projects

The urgent need for transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy has fueled the advancement of innovative energy conversion and storage technologies. With the rise of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), the proliferation of connected devices powered by batteries has led to significant carbon footprint due to the extensive use of disposable batteries. This calls for the development of self-powered devices supported by off-grid power generation and storage systems. Despite the availability of highly efficient indoor light-harvesting technologies, the inherent variability and unpredictability of light sources pose challenges to their widespread adoption. This highlights the need for integrating high-efficiency energy conversion devices with low-loss energy storage technologies. Photocapacitors (PCs) have emerged as a promising solution to this challenge. These innovative hybrid devices, which combine a photovoltaic or light-harvesting component and a supercapacitor or energy storage unit into a single system enabling efficient power generation and storage, have garnered increasing interest. These hybrid devices widely utilize third-generation photovoltaic technologies, such as Dye-sensitized Solar Cells (DSCs) and Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs), known for their ease of fabrication, compatibility with diverse architectures, and cost-effectiveness. To meet the diverse needs of end-user applications, there is an urgent need to develop more compact and cost-effective designs featuring dual-function electrodes for both light harvesting and energy storage. The present project proposal emphasizes the critical role of advanced materials in advancing the field of photocapacitors. Key materials include modified semiconductors such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and zinc oxide (ZnO), as well as innovative organic compounds used in DSCs. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO), Mxenes, Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and their composites with transition metal oxides will be explored as supercapacitor electrodes. Additionally, next-generation materials in photovoltaics such as co-sensitized organic dyes, copper redox electrolytes and polymer based counter electrodes with higher surface area are essential for enhancing the performance, efficiency, and scalability of photocapacitors. Our research focuses on designing and developing next-generation photocapacitors with a strong emphasis on material selection, structural optimization, and interfacial properties crucial for high-performance devices. By meticulously selecting and tailoring these materials, we aim to address existing limitations in energy conversion and storage efficiencies, paving the way for real commercial applications. The proposed work will contribute to the development of self-powered, battery-free systems suitable for a range of applications, including next-generation self-powered sensors and IoT devices, which require reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions. With an interdisciplinary team possessing complementary expertise in energy conversion and storage, and state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization facilities established at CSIR-NIIST, this proposal represents a significant advancement in energy technology. By integrating indoor photovoltaics and supercapacitor systems into a unified platform, the present project aims to push the boundaries of energy conversion and storage technologies, contributing to a sustainable energy future with reduced carbon footprints.