Cement-Based Electrochemical Systems for Structural Energy Storage: Progress and Prospects

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Civil Engineering

Background:

• Cement-based batteries (CBBs) integrate structural capacity with electrochemical energy storage.
• Existing reviews lack a comprehensive synthesis of CBB system architectures, materials, and performance.
• Developing self-powered infrastructure necessitates advanced multifunctional materials like CBBs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review and synthesize the state-of-the-art in cement-based battery technology.
• To categorize CBB systems and critically compare their structural and electrochemical properties.
• To identify key strategies for enhancing CBB performance and explore their multifunctional potential.

Main Methods:

• Categorization of CBB systems into probe-type galvanic cells and layered monolithic structures.
• Critical comparison of structural characteristics and electrochemical behaviors.
• Analysis of performance enhancement strategies, including ionic conductivity, electron transport, and redox-active materials.

Main Results:

• CBB systems were categorized, and their performance was compared.
• Strategies like alkaline pore solutions, carbon conductive networks, and redox couples (e.g., Zn-MnO2, Ni-Fe) were identified for performance enhancement.
• Recent electrode architectures achieved stable rechargeability and energy densities over 11 Wh/m².

Conclusions:

• Cement-based batteries show significant potential for integrated energy storage and structural applications.
• Advancements in electrode design have overcome limitations of early prototypes, improving energy density and rechargeability.
• CBBs are poised to become key multifunctional components in future self-powered infrastructure, with potential for additional functionalities like strain sensing.