Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden) have developed the concept of a cement-based rechargeable battery. One day, this technology could be used to transform an entire building into a massive energy storage device, like a giant battery. This technology has several interesting possibilities as cement is one of the most commonly used building materials in the world.
The new concept is to add a small amount of short carbon fibers to the cement-based mix to increase the conductivity, strength and flexibility of the material. This blend also includes a metal-coated carbon fiber mesh that uses iron as the anode and nickel as the cathode.
Researchers had previously explored the option of using concrete, but these energy sources had very low efficiency. Swedish scientists had to come up with a new way of making an electrode, and the idea they came up with has never been considered before. A cement-based battery has an average energy density of 7 Wh per square meter, which is about ten times better than its concrete counterparts. This figure is still very low compared to commercial solutions currently available on the market, but the researchers believe that this disadvantage can be mitigated by the large volumes used in the construction of buildings. The advantage is that a huge multi-story building, which is essentially a massive battery pack, can provide itself with electricity, cellular communications and other needs.
The scientists working on the project understand that the idea is at a very early stage. There are still many serious questions to be resolved before the cement-based battery becomes a reality. The key issues are battery life and disposal.
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