Renewable energy storage, particularly for wind and solar, remains a challenge. However, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden are taking a major step toward creating an eco-friendly cement-based battery. Still in the prototype stage, the project focuses on the construction industry.
In search of sustainable and scalable materials, researchers Emma Zhang and Luping Tang, from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, developed a new concept for rechargeable batteries. The process begins with a cement-based mixture containing small amounts of short carbon fibers to increase conductivity and flexural toughness. A metal-coated carbon fiber mesh—iron for the anode and nickel for the cathode—is then embedded into the mixture. This is the first concept of its kind in the world.
“Results from earlier studies investigating concrete battery technology showed very low performance, so we realized we had to think outside the box to find another way to produce the electrode. This particular idea that we have developed—which is also rechargeable—has never been explored before. Now we have a proof of concept on a laboratory scale,” Emma Zhang explains.
The research yielded a rechargeable cement-based battery with an average energy density of 7 Wh (watt-hours) per square meter. Energy density is used to express battery capacity; while this density is still low compared to commercial batteries, this limitation can be overcome thanks to the large volume at which the battery can be constructed when integrated into buildings.
Rechargeable Battery
The fact that the battery is rechargeable is a key advantage, offering various potential uses if the concept is developed and commercialized. The researchers highlight applications ranging from powering LEDs and providing 4G connections in remote areas to cathodic protection—a technique used to control corrosion on metal surfaces.
“It could also be coupled with solar cell panels, for example, to provide electricity and serve as the power source for monitoring systems on highways or bridges, where sensors operated by a concrete battery could detect cracks or corrosion,” Emma suggests.
The concept of using structures and buildings in this way could be revolutionary, offering an alternative solution to the energy crisis by providing a large volume of energy storage.
Concrete, which is formed by mixing cement with other ingredients, is the most widely used construction material in the world. From a sustainability standpoint, it is far from ideal, but the potential to add functionality could offer a new dimension.
Challenges
If the idea succeeds, an entire 20-story concrete building could potentially store renewable energy like a giant battery in the future. However, the concept is still in its infancy. Before commercialization becomes a reality, further solutions must be developed.
Technical issues to be resolved include extending the battery's lifespan and developing recycling methods. “Since concrete infrastructure is usually built to last 50 or even 100 years, the batteries would need to be refined to match this lifespan, or designed to be easier to replace and recycle once their service life ends. For now, this poses a major technical challenge,” Emma explains.
In any case, there is no doubt that the innovation has much to offer. “We are convinced that this concept represents a major contribution to allowing future building materials to have additional functions, such as acting as renewable energy sources,” concludes Luping Tang.
The research project was funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, and the scientific article on the rechargeable concrete battery is available here.
Via CicloVivo
This article was written by Marcia Sousa. The translation is powered by AI.
