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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Evaluating the Electrochemical Properties of Supercapacitors using the Three-Electrode System
Published on: January 7, 2022
High-energy-density and thermally stable cement-based supercapacitors through coupling ionic-liquid interfacial
Hao Gao1, Dong Zhang1, Xin Shan1
1Key Laboratory of Advanced Civil Engineering Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China.
Researchers developed advanced cement-based supercapacitors (CSCs) by engineering dual-continuous ionic pathways and using ionic-liquid interfacial regulation. This innovation significantly boosts energy storage performance and thermal stability for buildings.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Sustainable Energy
Background:
- Energy storage is vital for renewable energy integration in buildings.
- Cement-based supercapacitors (CSCs) offer structural and energy storage benefits but face limitations like narrow voltage windows and poor thermal stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust CSC with enhanced performance and thermal stability.
- To overcome interfacial limitations and improve ion transport in cementitious materials.
Main Methods:
- Constructed dual-continuous ionic pathways using a polyacrylamide-modified cement matrix.
- Employed ionic-liquid interfacial regulation via post-curing vacuum impregnation.
- Engineered continuous pore/polymer ion-transport networks for improved ion accessibility.
Main Results:
- Achieved 84.7% electrode utilization efficiency at 1 mA cm⁻².
- Demonstrated a widened 2.0 V voltage window.
- Obtained an areal capacitance of 1271.7 mF cm⁻² and energy density of 562.4 μWh cm⁻².
- Showcased increased energy and power densities with temperature rise (20–80 °C) and negligible electrolyte loss.
Conclusions:
- Coupling ionic pathway design with interfacial regulation is effective for rigid porous CSCs.
- The developed CSC exhibits improved active-site accessibility, electrode utilization, and thermal robustness.
- This strategy enhances performance and stability for building-integrated energy storage.
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