Researchers at Nagaland University have developed a gelatin-based hydrogel membrane electrolyte that is biodegradable, flexible, and eco-friendly. 

This innovation provides a safer alternative to traditional electrolytes used in supercapacitors — high-performance, fast-charging energy storage devices vital for electric vehicles and portable electronics.

What is a hydrogel?
A hydrogel is a three-dimensional network of polymer chains capable of absorbing and retaining large amounts of water without dissolving. In this innovation, gelatin (a natural biodegradable protein) is cross-linked with glyoxal and doped with potassium iodide (KI) to form a KI-doped glyoxal-crosslinked gelatin hydrogel membrane electrolyte (GNHME).

Key features of this innovation:

• Acts as a leak-proof and biodegradable alternative to conventional liquid electrolytes.
• Offers high water absorption (up to 717%), flexibility, and strong ionic conductivity.
• Reduces environmental risks such as corrosion and pollution.
• The innovation has been granted an Indian patent and published in Materials Today Chemistry.
• Developed by researchers Duangailung Kamei, Dipankar Hazarika, and Dr. Nurul Alam Choudhury.
  

Applications of Hydrogel Electrolytes:

• Energy Storage Devices: Used in supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells for sustainable energy storage.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Improves fast-charging performance and stability of EV supercapacitors.
• Medical Wearables: Provides flexible and biocompatible power sources for health monitoring devices.
• Portable Electronics: Enhances durability and eco-friendliness of gadgets like smartwatches and wireless sensors.
• Environmental Sensors: Used in moisture or chemical detection due to water retention properties.
• Biomedical Uses: Serves in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems for controlled medical applications.

Why it matters for India and the Northeast:

• Aligns with India’s clean-energy and circular economy goals.
• Supports the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage.
• Highlights the scientific potential of Northeast universities, fostering innovation through local research.
  

Prelims Question:
Q. Which of the following statements about the gelatin-based hydrogel membrane electrolyte developed by Nagaland University is/are correct?

1. It is biodegradable and replaces liquid electrolytes used in supercapacitors.
   
2. It uses gelatin cross-linked with glyoxal and doped with potassium iodide.
   
3. It can be used in energy storage, medical wearables, and environmental sensors.
   

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

Q. In which of the following are hydrogels used? (PYQ)

1. Controlled drug delivery in patients
2. Mobile air-conditioning systems
3. Preparation of Industrial lubricants

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[A] 1 only

[B] 1 and 2 only

[C] 2 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

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