Scientists have created concrete that transforms buildings into giant batteries

This is written by ThePublic.info, citing Interesting Engineering.

The article is about conductive carbon concrete EC³, which can store and release energy. According to researchers, its storage density has increased tenfold compared to previous samples.

The material consists of cement, water, nano-carbon soot, and electrolytes. Inside, a fractal-like network forms, allowing electrolytes to penetrate the pores and conduct current. Researchers tested various filler options and concluded that even seawater can serve as an electrolyte. This makes EC³ promising for coastal areas and offshore wind farms.

Significant progress has been made with organic electrolytes: 1 m³ of EC³ can store over 2 kWh of energy — enough to power a refrigerator for a day. The team has already built a small arch from EC³, which withstood load and simultaneously powered an LED. This effect could help buildings in the future monitor their own status in real-time.

Thanks to its thermal conductivity, EC³ was also used to heat sidewalks in snow-covered Sapporo. Now, it can become the basis for large-scale energy storage.

"Our goal is to facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources," explains Damian Stefanuk, one of the authors of the work.

Co-author and Cornell University professor James Viver said: "By combining modern nanoscience with the ancient building material of civilization, we are opening the doors to infrastructure that not only supports our lives — it sustains them."