A team of experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a new type of concrete that acts as a supercapacitor, capable of storing renewable energy. The concrete is made from a mixture of water, cement, and carbon black, a highly conductive material often used in the production of car tires. This new supercapacitor concrete can charge and discharge energy quickly, making it a valuable addition to traditional batteries.
Researcher Damian Stefaniuk and his team believe that the supercapacitor concrete they have developed could help address the critical issue of energy storage for renewable energy production. The production of renewable energy can vary significantly based on environmental factors, making energy storage essential. While supercapacitors do not store energy as efficiently as lithium-ion batteries, they have the potential to relieve pressure on the power grid by providing a new way to store green energy.
The applications of supercapacitor concrete are diverse. For example, roads made from this material could wirelessly charge electric vehicles, reducing the need for traditional charging stations. Additionally, structures such as walls, foundations, and columns made from supercapacitor concrete could both support the building and store energy within the material. Although the technology is still in its early stages, Stefaniuk is optimistic about its potential to meet household energy needs once scaled up.
At present, the supercapacitor concrete developed by the MIT team can only power a 10 W LED for 30 hours. Overcoming challenges associated with supercapacitors such as rapid discharge and lower energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries will be crucial for further development. The team plans to build a larger-scale version of the concrete to demonstrate its potential for practical use in daily energy consumption.
While moving from laboratory-scale development to larger settings can present challenges related to manufacturing complexity and resource availability, scaling up innovative discoveries is important for future advancements in clean energy technology.
Engineering professor Michael Short at Teesside University emphasizes this point: “Scaling up innovative discoveries like this one is essential if we want to make clean energy technology more accessible and affordable.” He believes that overcoming these challenges will pave the way for a sustainable future where renewable energy sources are widely adopted.
