Buildings to store energy using innovative concrete-based battery
Real Estate

Buildings to store energy using innovative concrete-based battery

Sweden's battery research by scientists focused on making batteries that can both store energy and serve as structural components for buildings.

The team demonstrated a novel cement-based battery that could allow for the construction of large structures made of functional concrete.

The study was carried out at the Chalmers University of Technology, where researchers were working on developing more environmentally friendly building materials, with a focus on concrete, the world's most widely used and energy-intensive material.

This novel concept is based on previous concrete-based battery designs that, according to the researchers, performed poorly in tests. They developed the rechargeable design, which they describe as a world-first concept, after much experimentation, and it appears to be promising.

The team's battery begins with a cement-based mixture that is similar to regular concrete but contains small amounts of short carbon fibres for flexural strength and conductivity. Two carbon fibre meshes, one coated in nickel to act as the battery's cathode and the other covered in iron to act as the anode, are also included in the mix. These transport electrons back and forth as the device is charged and discharged, acting as the battery's electrodes.

According to the team, the concrete-based battery has a 7Wh per square metre of material energy density, which is over ten-fold higher than previous concrete-based batteries. However, it is still far less powerful than commercial batteries, but because it is made of concrete, which can be scaled up to form massive structures, it may be able to compensate for this.

Image Source


Also read: Jamia Milia Islamia, AMU invent eco-friendly cement using waste

Also read: Magicrete introduces lightweight concrete ALC wall panels

Sweden's battery research by scientists focused on making batteries that can both store energy and serve as structural components for buildings. The team demonstrated a novel cement-based battery that could allow for the construction of large structures made of functional concrete. The study was carried out at the Chalmers University of Technology, where researchers were working on developing more environmentally friendly building materials, with a focus on concrete, the world's most widely used and energy-intensive material. This novel concept is based on previous concrete-based battery designs that, according to the researchers, performed poorly in tests. They developed the rechargeable design, which they describe as a world-first concept, after much experimentation, and it appears to be promising. The team's battery begins with a cement-based mixture that is similar to regular concrete but contains small amounts of short carbon fibres for flexural strength and conductivity. Two carbon fibre meshes, one coated in nickel to act as the battery's cathode and the other covered in iron to act as the anode, are also included in the mix. These transport electrons back and forth as the device is charged and discharged, acting as the battery's electrodes. According to the team, the concrete-based battery has a 7Wh per square metre of material energy density, which is over ten-fold higher than previous concrete-based batteries. However, it is still far less powerful than commercial batteries, but because it is made of concrete, which can be scaled up to form massive structures, it may be able to compensate for this. Image Source Also read: Jamia Milia Islamia, AMU invent eco-friendly cement using waste Also read: Magicrete introduces lightweight concrete ALC wall panels

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian Delegation Visits South Africa for Trade and Investment Talks

A nine-member Indian delegation participated in the second session of the India-South Africa Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) held in Pretoria from 22 to 23 April 2025. Discussions were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, focusing on expanding trade ties, boosting investments, and fostering greater people-to-people exchanges. The meeting was co-chaired by Malose Letsoalo, Chief Director, Bilateral Trade Relations, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, and Priya Nair, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, India. Delegates from the High Commission ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Ministry of Cooperation Inaugurates NCOL Organic Packaging Facility

The Ministry of Cooperation inaugurated a new state-of-the-art packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The centre is dedicated to packaging pulses and organic products while maintaining high hygiene and quality standards. Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, called the facility a major milestone in promoting the Bharat Organics brand. The initiative aims to empower farmers and expand access to certified organic produce across India, while offering premium prices to farmers and affordable organic food to consumers. Un..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Adani Airport Seeks $750 Million Loan from Global Banks

Adani Group is in discussions for an offshore loan of up to $750 million for its airport arm, Adani Airport Holdings Limited, with international banks such as Barclays Plc, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, and Standard Chartered Bank Plc. The funds will support capital expenditure and repay dollar-denominated debt maturing in September. The deal is expected to conclude by early May. Adani Airport Holdings Limited operates seven major airports across India and is preparing to open a new international hub worth $two billion on the outskirts of Mumbai. This would be the Group’s second significant o..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?