Researchers from the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed the concept for cement-based batteries that can be recharged. One day technology can change the entire building into a massive energy storage device similar to a giant battery. This technology has several interesting possibilities as cement is one of the most commonly used building materials throughout the world.
This concept involves a mixture of cement-based with a small number of short carbon fibers added to increase conductivity and toughness flexible material. Also embedded in the semen mixture is a metal-plated metal carbon fiber mesh with iron for anodes and nickel for the cathode. Other studies have investigated concrete batteries in the past, but they have very low performance.
Researchers in Chalmers must come in a new way to produce electrodes. Their ideas come by creating systems that can be refilled using unexplored ideas. Based cement-based batteries have an average energy density of seven wattshour per square meter, which is about ten times better than the previous concrete battery can produce.
The researchers showed energy density was still very low compared to commercial batteries. However, they believe that limit can be overcome thanks to the large volume of the battery will be offered when used to produce buildings. The benefits of having a large-level building that is basically a large battery looks, including things like turning on lighting in the building, providing cellular connectivity in remote areas, or many other power needs.
Scientists who work on the project are clear that the idea is at a very early stage. There are many main questions that have to be solved before the cement battery can come true, with one of the main challenges that extend service life for batteries and develop recycling techniques.