Latest Edinburgh Napier research, led by Libu Manjakkal and the SMART Group SCEBE, published in Advanced Functional Materials
We’re proud to share a research achievement from a team at Edinburgh Napier University, with the publication of their latest study titled ‘Optimizing (1-x) BiFeO₃-xCaTiO₃ Perovskites: A Pathway to Efficient Flexible Energy Storage’ in Advanced Functional Materials (Wiley) in August 2025.
Led by Associate Professor Libu Manjakkal, this work showcases the University’s commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and highlights the innovative contributions of our researchers in the field of electrochemical energy storage.
Meeting the demand for flexible power solutions
As digital technologies evolve, the demand for smart, flexible electronic devices continues to grow. Powering these devices requires energy storage systems that are not only efficient but also capable of withstanding bending and deformation without compromising performance.
This new research addresses this challenge by exploring perovskite-based materials, which offer a unique combination of electrical and ionic conductivity, low cost, and structural versatility. These properties make them ideal candidates for next-generation energy storage devices, particularly in wearable and flexible electronics, as suggested by Dr. Libu Manjakkal.
Spotlight on new materials for energy storage
In this study, the team explored new materials that could help create flexible energy storage devices – the kind that can bend without losing performance. These materials exhibit excellent charge storage capabilities due to their ability to host various ions, and their inherent oxygen vacancies contribute to high specific capacitance.
Their findings suggest that this approach could lead to better, more adaptable energy storage solutions in the future, including stretchable devices and currently under investigation by the PhD student Febin Paul.
Celebrating collaborative research excellence
This publication reflects the strength of Edinburgh Napier’s research community and the power of collaboration. This project was led by a collaborative team of researchers at Napier, including Febin Paul, Shahina Shareef, Mustehsan Beg, Keng Goh, and Libu Manjakkal. The team collaborate with the researchers from the University of Leeds, including Eric Kumi Barimah, Gin Jose and Zhilun Lu to further strengthen the work. Their combined expertise in materials science, device engineering, and electrochemical characterisation was key to the success of this study.
Supporting innovation through strategic funding
This research was made possible through the generous support of:
- Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland
- EPSRC
- The Royal Society
- Edinburgh Napier’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment (SCEBE)
Their investment in cutting-edge research continues to drive innovation and impact across disciplines.
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Read the full article
To explore the full study and its findings, visit: Optimizing (1-x) BiFeO₃-xCaTiO₃ Perovskites – Advanced Functional Materials
Learn more about the research activities of the Sustainable Materials Research & Technologies (SMART) Group at Edinburgh Napier University >