Supercapacitor concrete structures are approaching scalability and could soon store and release electrical energy, according to researchers at MIT.
This claim follows a breakthrough from the team at MIT’s EC³ Hub and Concrete Sustainability Hub that combined cement, water ultra-fine carbon black (with nanoscale particles), and electrolytes to create electron-conducting carbon concrete (ec³).
Improved energy density came from a deeper understanding of how the nanocarbon black network inside ec³ functions and interacts with electrolytes. Using FIB-SEM tomography, the team discovered that the nanonetwork is a fractal-like ‘web’ that surrounds ec³ pores, which is what allows the electrolyte to infiltrate and for current to flow through the system.
While there is a wide range of potential viable electrolytes for ec³, including seawater which could be used for marine applications like off-shore wind farms, the greatest performance was gained when the team switched to organic electrolytes.
They were then able to streamline the way electrolytes were added to the mix, and cast thicker electrodes that stored more energy. A miniature ec³ arch was built that operated at nine volts, supporting its own weight and additional load while powering a LED light.
The latest developments in ec³ technology bring it closer to real world scalability, according to lead author, a/professor of civil and environmental engineering, Admir Masic.
The research team believes ec³ is a viable substitute [for batteries], letting our buildings and infrastructure meet our energy storage needs”.
Results of the research have been reported in a new PNAS paper.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Focused on concrete and construction for more than 11 years, her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com