Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), along with colleagues from the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, have discovered that cement, when combined with carbon black and water, forms a supercapacitor that can efficiently store electrical energy which can help create a low-cost energy storage system.

The innovative supercapacitor has the potential to support the integration of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and tidal power by ensuring stable energy networks despite fluctuations in renewable energy supply.

The team of researchers said, with its versatile applications and environmentally friendly components, this energy-storing supercapacitor represents a leap forward in the quest for sustainable energy solutions.

Supercapacitors, an alternative to traditional batteries, work on a simple principle: two electrically conductive plates immersed in an electrolyte, separated by a membrane.

When voltage is applied, positive and negative charges accumulate on the plates, creating an electric field that stores electrical energy.

Supercapacitors have garnered attention for their rapid charging and discharging capabilities, but conventional materials limited their widespread adoption due to cost and availability constraints.

How it Works

The researchers introduced carbon black into a concrete mixture alongside cement powder and water to produce the novel supercapacitor.

As the mixture cured, the water naturally created a branching network of openings within the structure, and the carbon migrated into these spaces, forming wire-like structures within the hardened cement.

This intricate fractal-like network resulted in an extensive internal surface area within a compact volume, allowing for a powerful energy storage capability.

The next step involved soaking the material in a standard electrolyte material, such as potassium chloride, which facilitated the accumulation of charged particles on the carbon structures.

When a thin space or insulating layer separated two electrodes made from this conductive nanocomposite, a high-performance supercapacitor was formed.

The researchers said the unique combination of cement and carbon black provides several advantages over traditional energy storage technologies. They are cost-effective, integrate energy generated from renewable sources, and charge and discharge energy swiftly.

Potential applications for these energy-storing supercapacitors include incorporating them into the concrete foundations of buildings, allowing for the storage of a full day’s worth of energy while maintaining structural strength.

The team said that concrete roadways with integrated supercapacitors could offer contactless recharging for electric vehicles as they travel over these roads.

Recently, RMIT University secured international patents for the development of the proton battery, which holds the potential to power homes, vehicles, and devices, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries.