ALGAVOLT, an innovative algae-based supercapacitor education kit, has been awarded the Grand Prize at the Engineering Innovation Exhibition (EIE 2025), hosted by the Faculty of Engineering at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Among 45 competing teams presenting cutting-edge technologies, ALGAVOLT stood out for its unique combination of scientific ingenuity, environmental sustainability, and educational impact. The project, led by Ir. Dr. Nur Izzah Nabilah Binti Haris, earned the top honor of a fully sponsored trip to iENA 2025, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for inventions and new products, taking place in Nuremberg, Germany.

ALGAVOLT is the first education kit of its kind that enables students to build and test a functioning supercapacitor using carbon materials derived from upcycled algal waste. Developed as a safe, affordable, and hands-on solution for classrooms, science fairs, and STEM outreach programs, the kit introduces students to real-world energy storage systems without the risks associated with lithium, cobalt, or other hazardous materials. It comes complete with all essential components, including algae-derived carbon electrodes, coin cell casing and holder, electrode separator, a breadboard with motor load, electrolyte, personal protective equipment (PPE), and an instruction manual.

The supercapacitor in the kit operates on the principle of electric double layer (EDL) energy storage, a mechanism that relies on the physical separation of electrical charges at the interface between the electrode and the electrolyte. When voltage is applied, ions accumulate at the electrode surface, forming two layers of opposite charge without involving any chemical reactions. This allows for rapid charging and discharging, high power output, and long cycle life, making it ideal for powering small electronic components like motors and LEDs.

What sets ALGAVOLT apart is its electrode material, which is made from algae residue that is naturally rich in nitrogen, has a high surface area, and features a microporous structure. The performance of this material is further enhanced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), which improve conductivity, create faster electron pathways, and stabilize the electrode for long-term use. This combination results in a high-performance, environmentally friendly supercapacitor that supports hands-on exploration of sustainable energy technologies. ALGAVOLT addresses a growing demand for clean, safe, and scalable educational tools in the global STEM market.

Date of Input: 18/07/2025 | Updated: 18/07/2025 | puteriamirah