In a significant stride for storing renewable energy, scientists at MIT have developed a battery alternative using an unexpected material: cement.
This new innovation, known as a "supercapacitor," has the potential to reshape our infrastructure, offering a future where electric cars can charge seamlessly while driving along our streets.
How does it work?
The supercapacitor is created by mixing cement with carbon black, a residue from burning that's been used by humans since ancient times - it was used to write the Dead Sea Scrolls. Water helps make pathways within the cement, while the carbon and cement separate to create a network of tiny conductive wires.
How is a supercapacitor different from a battery?
What makes supercapacitors different from traditional batteries is how they store energy.
While batteries rely on chemical reactions, supercapacitors use static electricity. This means they can charge almost instantly, unlike batteries which can take hours to charge.
Another advantage of supercapacitors is all of the materials used to make them are widely available, inexpensive, and non-toxic. Whereas mining for some materials in batteries is harmful to ecosystems.
One downside is supercapacitors cannot store as much power as a battery.
The possibilities for this technology are vast:
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Energy stored in the foundations of our homes: imagine homes built on foundations that can store energy. A small amount of this material could hold enough energy to power a household for a day, making it possible to store renewable energy from sources like solar panels or wind turbines.
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Electrified roadways: picture highways with built-in supercapacitors that charge electric vehicles as they drive. This could lead to lower emissions, better air quality, and reduce the need for charging stations.
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Wearables: supercapacitors could also be used in wearable devices and medical implants, offering a wide range of uses beyond energy storage.
With its quick charging, eco-friendly ingredients, and versatile applications, cement-based supercapacitors represent a significant advancement in energy storage.
As we move towards a more sustainable future, this innovation holds the promise of making a real difference in how we power our world.
It's a #WinForThePlanet 🙌🏼