Construction Building Materials as a Potential for Structural Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract

Emerging demands to achieve zero carbon emissions and develop renewable energy resources necessitate the development of appropriate energy storage systems. To achieve this, several alternatives to conventional energy storage devices, such as Li‐ion batteries or capacitors to more sustainable and scalable energy storage systems, are being explored. Supercapacitors, possess unique characteristics that include high power, long life, and environmental‐friendly design. They may be used to bridge the energy‐power gap between typical capacitors and fuel cells/batteries. Recently, structural supercapacitors being capable of storing electrochemical energy besides bearing mechanical load have caught the attention of researchers. As such, efforts have been made worldwide to study both the fundamental and applied aspects of structural supercapacitors. Further, the possibility of using construction materials for interdisciplinary applications is being studied because they are relatively cheap and easily available. Thus, construction materials can be considered as potential candidates for the development of structural supercapacitors. Herein an overview on the use of construction materials, such as Portland cement concrete, geopolymer concrete, and bricks, as a component of structural supercapacitors has been presented.

Electrochemical and structural performances of carbon and glass fiber-reinforced structural supercapacitor composite at elevated temperatures

“…Multifunctional composite can perform a variety of non-structural functions, such as energy generation, energy storage, self-healing capability, sensing, and actuating, apart from the primary structural functions [4]. With this development, energy-storable composites such as structural supercapacitor composite (SSC) have attracted significant attention from researchers, as this device can be designed to serve as load-bearing critical components of buildings and many engineering applications [5]. Therefore, the entire structure becomes an energy storage device, increasing the overall performance as the payload from battery packs is decreased.…”

Evolution of Electrochemical Impedance Spectra Characteristics of Cementitious Materials after Capturing Carbon Dioxide

“…The test devices are composed of concrete specimens, an electrode, an electrochemical workstation, and electrolyte, and the workstation provides an excitation current at different frequencies [14,15]. Electrical signals are transmitted through the electrode and specimens connected to the electrolyte to obtain electrical responses about the ion concentration and microstructure of the concrete [16,17]. Ion concentration in cement-based materials is affected by hydration and carbonation [18].…”

Properties of Electrode Materials and Electrolytes in Supercapacitor Technology

“…This versatility is complemented by the environmental friendliness of carbon materials, especially those derived from sustainable sources, making them more attractive from an ecological standpoint. The economic aspect, particularly for AC with its low cost and scalability, is crucial for large-scale application and commercialization of supercapacitors[124][125][126][127][128].Furthermore, the field of carbon materials is a hotbed of innovation, with ongoing research delving into areas like heteroatom doping, development of hierarchically porous structures, and the creation of 3D carbon networks. These advancements not only enhance the intrinsic properties of carbon materials but also open up new avenues for their application in supercapacitors, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of energy storage technology development.…”