Innovative Cement: The Future of Rechargeable Building Blocks
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The Promise of Rechargeable Cement
The journey of new technology often begins with rudimentary concepts, gradually evolving into refined products. For those familiar with cement chemistry, it’s intriguing to note that this construction material holds the potential to store electric energy. However, significant distinctions exist between traditional cement and the electrochemical cells that power our electronic devices.
Photo by Haneen Krimly on Unsplash
Cement, once hardened, possesses a porous structure with tiny pores that can hold highly alkaline water. Recent innovations in cement-based batteries feature three distinct layers of mortar (a mixture of cement and sand). Two of these layers encase a carbon fiber mesh, typically utilized for enhancing cement's strength. Each mesh is coated with metals like iron or nickel, functioning as the battery’s electrodes. The central layer, composed of mortar mixed with cement powder, water, sand, hydroxides, and ion exchange resin, acts as the electrolyte.
This pioneering rechargeable battery boasts an energy density of 7 Wh per cubic meter, translating to 0.8 Wh per liter. For an average UK household, the energy that can be stored in the foundations alone amounts to approximately 39 kWh. In contrast, a standard mobile phone battery holds around 15 Wh, allowing for over 2000 full charges if your home’s foundations were constructed with this innovative battery material.
Although the average daily electricity consumption in the UK ranges between 8 to 10 kWh, one might assume that by integrating renewable energy sources, one could achieve complete self-sufficiency. However, the cement-based batteries have limitations when it comes to powering high-demand devices. While they can recharge your phone and power LED lights, heavier appliances like kettles or televisions cannot be sustained due to the battery’s high internal resistance.
Section 1.1: Structural Considerations
Structural engineers need to assess the weight capacity of these foundations before any construction can proceed. Typically, coarse aggregates (crushed rock) are incorporated into cement to enhance strength, resulting in concrete. A common concrete mix comprises around 40% crushed rock, which could diminish the electrical storage capability of the structure. It’s conceivable that carbon fiber may provide sufficient strength, potentially eliminating the need for additional aggregates. However, carbon fiber is usually integrated as strips rather than a continuous mesh, complicating matters.
Subsection 1.1.1: Battery Performance Over Time
The creators of this groundbreaking battery emphasize that its capacity diminishes with each charging cycle. In laboratory tests with small batteries measuring about 10 cm by 10 cm and 1 cm deep, a capacity decline of just over 10% was observed, dropping from 62 mAh to 65 mAh after six discharge cycles. Without further enhancements, these batteries would necessitate frequent replacements, making them unsuitable for load-bearing applications.
Section 1.2: Future Prospects
This rechargeable battery represents a world first, and there is certainly room for improvement. The initial efficiency of silicon-based photovoltaic solar panels was also low, but ongoing research has made solar energy a viable option for many. It appears we will continue to use concrete in the future. Despite its reputation as a significant contributor to carbon emissions, the industry is evolving, seeking innovative production methods and recycling practices from demolition projects. Who knows? In the future, we might find ourselves living and working in buildings that double as massive batteries.
Chapter 2: Educational Resources
The first video, "7 Steps On How to Build The Safest DIY Li-ion Battery," provides a comprehensive guide for creating a safe and efficient lithium-ion battery at home.
The second video, "Lithium Batteries for Beginners: Step by Step," offers insights into balancing, assembling, and testing capacity for LiFePo4 DIY batteries.
About This Story
This narrative is inspired by a conversation recorded for the podcast "Technically Speaking," which delves into the unique discussions scientists and engineers have in the lab. These episodes blend scientific facts, imaginative speculation, and cultural references, and are available biweekly on platforms like Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google, and Podbean. You can follow the podcast on Twitter to continue the dialogue.
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