Scientists develop concrete that can store energy - Construction material becomes a "battery"

Concrete, a material that has shaped our world for centuries, could soon become a source of energy, thanks to new research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

According to research published in the journal PNAS, optimized electrolytes and improved manufacturing processes have increased the energy storage capacity tenfold compared to previous versions of ec³ concrete. While previously about 45 cubic meters of material were needed to supply an average house with a daily amount of energy, now about 5 cubic meters are sufficient for the same amount – which corresponds to the volume of a typical wall element.

Concrete works as a supercapacitor and can be integrated directly into building elements – from walls and floors to vaults and domes – and last as long as the structure itself. The new version of concrete uses an organic electrolyte that allows for the storage of more than 2 kilowatt-hours per cubic meter, enough to power a refrigerator for a day.

The researchers also created a miniature arch made of ec³ concrete that simultaneously carries weight and powers an LED light. Under load, the light flickers slightly, which may indicate the potential for real-time structural condition monitoring.

- The most exciting thing is that we have shown the material as old as civilization in a completely new light. Concrete can now not only support our lives, but also power them - James Weaver, co-author of the study and former EC³ Hub researcher, points out.