Scientists Develop Sunlight-Powered ‘Photo-Capacitor’

Scientists have developed an innovative sunlight-powered supercapacitor, known as a photo-capacitor, that can both capture and store solar energy in a single integrated device. The breakthrough is expected to pave the way for clean, self-sustaining and low-cost energy storage systems for portable, wearable and off-grid technologies.

Limitations of Conventional Solar Systems
Traditionally, solar energy systems use two separate components—solar panels for energy harvesting and batteries or supercapacitors for energy storage. Such hybrid systems require additional power-management electronics to handle voltage and current mismatches between the two units. This increases system complexity, cost, energy losses and device size, posing challenges for miniaturised and autonomous devices.

Integrated Solution: Photo-Rechargeable Supercapacitor
The newly developed photo-rechargeable supercapacitor seamlessly integrates solar energy conversion and energy storage into a single platform. By directly converting sunlight into electrical energy and storing it simultaneously, the device eliminates intermediate power electronics, thereby simplifying system design and minimising conversion and storage losses.

Developed by CeNS, Bengaluru
The device has been developed by researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in advanced materials and energy research.

Applications and Future Potential
The photo-capacitor holds significant promise for eco-friendly power solutions in wearable electronics, portable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and remote off-grid systems, marking an important step towards next-generation sustainable energy technologies.