Francis Mekunye makes Strides in Energy Storage research with Agricultural-Waste-Based Stretchable Electrode Innovation at UNIBEN

By Tosin Clegg

Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable technological advancement has gained new momentum, thanks to the pioneering work of Francis Mekunye, a rising materials science researcher who has developed a revolutionary class of stretchable energy storage devices. By converting everyday agricultural waste such as banana and orange peels into high-performance energy materials, Mekunye’s work is setting a new standard in how developing countries can lead in clean technology and electronic innovation.

After months of meticulous engineering and testing, Mekunye successfully designed a flexible electrode system that combines pyrolyzed fruit peel-derived activated carbon with conductive nickel nanoparticles, carbon black, and a stretchable polymer matrix.

The result is a lightweight, deformable energy storage material that delivers both mechanical flexibility and robust electrochemical performance. These devices can be stretched up to 220 percent without losing conductivity, making them ideal for the next generation of wearables, microchips, and flexible electronics.

“What excites me most is the potential this technology has to solve multiple problems at once,” Mekunye shared. “We’re tackling energy storage, waste management, and sustainable manufacturing, all through a solution that is both cost-effective and scalable.”

This innovation does more than store energy. It offers a sustainable alternative to rigid, imported battery components that are often unsuited for dynamic, portable applications. The hierarchically porous structure of the fruit-derived carbon promotes efficient ion flow, while the addition of nickel nanoparticles enhances electrical conductivity and durability under stress. These features are especially crucial for powering wearable health monitors, smart textiles, microelectronic circuits, and even systems designed to power homes and small businesses.
Mekunye’s breakthrough also aligns with broader goals for environmental stewardship. By sourcing materials from agricultural by-products, the technology reduces the demand for synthetic, fossil-derived precursors and promotes a circular economy model that repurposes organic waste into valuable industrial materials.

Experts have praised the work for its originality and practicality. Beyond its research significance, the stretchable electrode system opens the door to new industries focused on flexible semiconductors, microelectronics, and energy devices that can be locally manufactured, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

As Nigeria continues to seek solutions that address climate resilience, energy access, and high-tech development, innovations like Mekunye’s fruit-peel-based energy storage offer a clear path forward. His research exemplifies the country’s growing leadership in materials science and underscores the potential of homegrown innovation to meet global challenges with resourceful, sustainable answers.