NU SEDS Researchers Develop Innovative 3D Conducting Polymer Nanocomposite for Wearable Electronics

Researchers at Nazarbayev University (NU) and its School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (SEDS) have achieved a significant breakthrough in developing 3D porous conducting polymer nanocomposites, paving the way for next-generation wearable electronics and flexible energy storage devices. The study, led by Prof. Nurxat Nuraje and spearheaded by Dr. Guldana Zhigerbayeva as part of her PhD research, introduces a novel template-free synthesis method using bicontinuous microemulsion (BME) polymerization. This approach enables the fabrication of highly cross-linked polypyrrole-cobalt oxide (PPy-CoO) micro-pseudocapacitors (MPCs) with superior stability, flexibility, and electrochemical performance.

The research was recently published in Scientific Reports (Sci Rep 15, 9577 (2025), Springer Nature Publisher), featuring contributions from Prof. Salimgerey Adilov of NU’s Department of Chemistry and researchers from the National Laboratory Astana (NLA), including Dr. Yerbolat Magazov, Dr. Vladislav Kudrashov, and undergraduate student Asset Aliyev from NU’s School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (SEDS).

Building on previous success with 2D conducting polymer nanosheets, published in Advanced Materials (2022), the team expanded their work to 3D multifunctional nanocomposites, enhancing energy storage capabilities. Compared to conventional materials, these MPCs demonstrate improved ion transport, higher energy density, and outstanding mechanical durability, even under extreme bending conditions.

An essential aspect of the project was the involvement of undergraduate students, emphasizing NU’s commitment to hands-on scientific training. Asset Aliyev, a senior-year Chemical and Materials Engineering student, shared his experience:

“Being an undergraduate researcher at NU and the National Laboratory Astana has been a defining experience in my academic journey. Over the past 2.5 years in the Renewable Energy Lab, I’ve gained invaluable skills in laser etching, electrochemical characterization, and device fabrication. The mentorship from Dr. Vladislav Kudryashov and Prof. Nuraje has greatly shaped my approach to research and problem-solving.”

Dr. Guldana Zhigerbayeva, who earned her PhD from NU’s School of Engineering and Digital Sciences in 2024, emphasized the broader impact of her research:

“As a materials science engineer, my goal was to develop a scalable polymerization method that serves as a universal platform for smart material development. We have successfully created high-performance applications, including flexible energy storage devices, gas sensors, and hydrogen production systems. This is just the beginning, with many more innovations to come.”

Prof. Nuraje highlighted the significance of the study:

“The development of micro-sized energy storage devices is critical for the future of portable and wearable electronics, where efficiency and compactness are essential. Our PPy-CoO MPCs outperform traditional materials and provide a scalable, cost-effective solution for miniaturized energy storage applications.”

This research underscores NU’s dedication to cutting-edge innovation and academic excellence, fostering collaboration between PhD candidates, undergraduate students, and leading scientists. The advancement in conducting polymer nanocomposites marks a significant step forward in the evolution of flexible energy storage and smart materials.