New concrete and carbon black supercapacitors with optimized electrolytes have 10 times the energy storage of previous designs and can be incorporated into a wide range of architectural forms.

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MIT News

MIT researchers have developed an improved concrete-based supercapacitor (ec³) that stores 10 times more energy than previous versions by optimizing electrolytes and manufacturing processes. The material combines cement, water, carbon black nanoparticles, and electrolytes to create a conductive network within concrete structures. A cubic meter can now store over 2 kilowatt-hours of energy, reducing the volume needed for household daily energy needs from 45 to 5 cubic meters. The technology could enable buildings, roads, and infrastructure to function as energy storage systems, supporting renewable energy adoption and potentially charging electric vehicles or powering off-grid homes.

Concrete “battery” developed at MIT now packs 10 times the power

<p>A quick trip to Google shows a lot of studies on the dangers of exposure to carbon black ultrafine particles. I applaud any advancements in power storage, but I have to wonder how well carbon concrete keeps its carbon content from leeching out.</p>


<p>…and they laughed at Fred Flintstone’s car. Turns out it was a high-minded concept with multifunctional rolling EC^3 mega-capacitors. If only they had invented the electronic start.</p>
