Rechargeable Cement-Based Batteries

A concept of rechargeable batteries made of cement was developed by researchers from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. The research team is led by Chalmers Professor Luping Tang and Emma Zhang, PhD, formerly with the university, now Senior Development Scientist at Delta of Sweden.

Composition of Cement-Based Rechargeable Batteries

The concept involves combining the cement-based mixture with small amounts of short carbon fibers.

The mixture is embedded with:

• Metal-coated carbon fiber mesh0iron as Anode
• Nickel for cathode

The following combination gave the best results, after trying many combinations.

Researchers also experimented with different ratios of carbon fiber before finding an optimal mixture of carbon i.e. 0.5%, to improve the conductivity of the electrolyte.

The mixture is designed to increase conductivity and flexural toughness.

Features of Rechargeable Cement-Based Batteries

• The cement-based batteries are said to provide 7 watt-hours per square meter during six charge and discharge cycles.
• “It could also be coupled with solar cell panels to provide electricity and become the energy source for monitoring systems in highways or bridges, where sensors operated by a concrete battery could detect cracking or corrosion,” said Zhang

The researchers are optimistic the concept has plenty to offer as a future building material that contributes to additional functions such as renewable energy sources.

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