Dr Surjit Sahoo, Assistant Professor, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in collaboration with Parul, M Amrutha, S Ratha, B Chakraborty, and Professor S K Nayak, has published the research paper titled “Large improvement in the charge storage performance of a CoSb₂O₆–reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite – probing the role of rGO through experiments and theoretical analyses”published in  Q1 journal Materials Advances (2026) with an impact factor of 4.7.

Efficient and durable energy storage is essential for modern technologies ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles. This research presents a detailed experimental and theoretical investigation of a cobalt antimony oxide–reduced graphene oxide (CoSb₂O₆/rGO) composite developed for high-performance supercapacitors. By combining advanced synthesis techniques with electrochemical testing and density functional theory analysis, the study demonstrates a substantial improvement in charge storage capacity, power delivery, and long-term cycling stability. The findings highlight the critical role of graphene in enhancing electronic conductivity and ion transport, positioning this composite as a promising material for next-generation fast-charging energy storage devices.

Brief Abstract of the Research:

The research reports a comparative electrochemical study of cobalt antimony oxide (CoSb2O6) and its reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite synthesised via combined hydrothermal and ultrasonic methods. Comprehensive structural and morphological characterisations confirm successful composite formation. In a three-electrode configuration, the CoSb2O6/rGO composite delivers a high specific capacitance of 1000 F g-1 at 2 A g-1, nearly five times higher than pristine CoSb2O6 (195.5 F g-1), with 93.18% capacity retention over 3000 cycles. A symmetric two-electrode device based on CoSb2O6/rGO exhibits a specific capacitance of 227.79 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, along with energy and power densities of 38.28 Wh kg-1 and 10.08 kW kg-1, respectively, and excellent stability (98.54% after 10,000 cycles). Density functional theory calculations reveal enhanced electronic states near the Fermi level due to charge transfer from rGO to CoSb2O6, leading to improved conductivity, lower ion diffusion barriers, and higher quantum capacitance, in agreement with the experimental performance.

Practical Implementation / Social Implications:

This research targets next-generation energy storage devices especially supercapacitors with higher energy and power densities and greater durability. Supercapacitors enhanced by such composites could power:

1. Portable electronics with rapid charging,
2. Electric vehicles requiring quick bursts of power,
3. Renewable systems needing stable, long-lived storage,
4. Smart grids and IoT devices with frequent charge/discharge cycles.

Improved performance also helps reduce reliance on bulkier batteries and supports sustainable energy strategies.

Collaborations:

The work was carried out through collaboration among researchers from:

1. Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Argul, Jatani, Khordha, Odisha-752050, India.
2. Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh 522240, India
3. Institute of Technical Education and Research, S‘O’A Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751030, India
4. High Pressure & Synchrotron Radiation Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400085, India
5. Homi J Bhabha National Institute, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400085, India

This mix includes experimentalists and theorists across institutions with expertise in materials science, electrochemistry, and computational modelling.

Future Research Plans:

1. Optimisation of composite structure and composition for even higher performance.
2. Integration into flexible and wearable energy devices.
3. Investigation of other metal-antimonate/graphene combinations.
4. Scale-up studies for commercial-scale supercapacitor manufacturing.
5. In-depth stability analysis under practical environmental conditions.