Buildings to store energy using innovative concrete-based battery

05 Jul 2021 CW Team

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

Technology

16 Sep 2025

Nextgen Semiconductors to Raise Rs 10–15 Billion for Gujarat Plant

Nextgen Semiconductors, which has announced plans to establish a chip manufacturing facility in Gujarat, said on Friday that it will raise Rs 10–15 billion through equity and other financial instruments over the next 12 months.The company has committed to investing more than Rs 88 billion in phases to set up a fully integrated silicon and silicon carbide power semiconductor platform at the Dholera Special Investment Region.The project is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem and reducing reliance on imports, as the government pushes to position Gu..

Servotech Signs Deal to Supply EV Chargers and Solar Solutions

Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd., a leading player in the renewable energy and EV charging sector, has entered into a definitive trade agreement with Mauritius-based Enovra Energy Solutions Limited. Under this agreement, Servotech will supply EV chargers and solar solutions to Enovra for distribution and deployment across Mauritius and other surrounding regions.As part of this agreement, both companies have established a binding commitment, ensuring long-term business consistency and reinforcing the partnership’s seriousness and scalability. Enovra Energy Solutions, a key player in Maur..

RRP Electronics Secures Land for Rs 1.2 Billion Semiconductor Fab

RRP Electronics, which plans to set up a Rs 1.2 billion semiconductor fab in Maharashtra, on Friday announced receiving a letter of comfort from the state government for a 100-acre land parcel in Navi Mumbai for the proposed facility.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the letter of comfort to the company at a late event on Thursday, the company, which is backed by legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, said in a statement.“The company has secured 100 acres in Navi Mumbai for relocating a semiconductor fab from Sherman, Texas, from one of the world’s most established semi..