Electrochemical Energy Storage Properties of High-Porosity Foamed Cement

Abstract

Foamed porous cement materials were fabricated with H2O2 as foaming agent. The effect of H2O2 dosage on the multifunctional performance is analyzed. The result shows that the obtained specimen with 0.6% H2O2 of the ordinary Portland cement mass (PC0.6) has appropriate porosity, leading to outstanding multifunctional property. The ionic conductivity is 29.07 mS cm−1 and the compressive strength is 19.6 MPa. Furthermore, the electrochemical energy storage performance is studied in novel ways. The PC0.6 also shows the highest areal capacitance of 178.28 mF cm−2 and remarkable cycle stability with 90.67% of initial capacitance after 2000 cycles at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2. The superior electrochemical energy storage property may be attributed to the high porosity of foamed cement, which enlarges the contact area with the electrode and provides a rich ion transport channel. This report on cement–matrix materials is of great significance for large scale civil engineering application.

The effect of foamed cement nanocomposite as counter electrode on the performance of dye‐sensitized solar cell

“…The porous network structure is visible in this film as a catalyst layer. The porous structure caused by foamed cement mixture might facilitate the diffusion of $${\mathrm{I}}_3^ - $$ ions into the active site for reduction, which enhances the $${\mathrm{I}}_3^ - $$/I − electrocatalytic activity 25,26 . In addition, the porous structure naturally improves the surface area and conductivity, which are determinant in charge transfer and ion diffusion 27,28 .…”

“…The porous structure caused by foamed cement mixture might facilitate the diffusion of I − 3 ions into the active site for reduction, which enhances the I − 3 /I − electrocatalytic activity. 25,26 In addition, the porous structure naturally improves the surface area and conductivity, which are determinant in charge transfer and ion diffusion. 27,28 Besides, it causes interconnection materials and strong adhesion of the electrodes to the substrate, which is necessary for long-term stability.…”