Category: Fundamental Science News

How MIT Concrete “Batteries” Could Power the Future of Energy Infrastructure

Concrete already builds our world—could it power it, too? A new article in CONNstruction magazine explores our research on concrete “batteries” that store and release energy without compromising structural performance. Read the piece in the Winter 2025 issue published by the Connecticut Construction Industries Association….Continue Reading How MIT Concrete “Batteries” Could Power the Future of…Continue Reading How MIT Concrete “Batteries” Could Power the Future of Energy Infrastructure

Concrete ‘batteries’ are one of MIT’s top stories in 2025

The Institute featured an article on improved ec³ energy density as the first story in their annual roundup of the year’s most-read pieces. Click here to read the roundup. Click here to read the article….Continue Reading Concrete ‘batteries’ are one of MIT’s top stories in 2025…Continue Reading Concrete ‘batteries’ are one of MIT’s top stories in 2025

Concrete battery that can power homes is now 10 times better

The Independent: “Buildings and roads built with a new type of concrete could soon serve as giant batteries capable of powering homes and electric vehicles. Scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who first discovered the next-generation energy storage system in 2023, have now figured out how to make them 10 times more powerful.” Thank…Continue…Continue Reading Concrete battery that can power homes is now 10 times better

Scientists are turning giants slabs of concrete into freaking batteries

New in Popular Mechanics: “Scientists have developed concrete with self-healing abilities, concrete that acts as a kind of carbon sink, and concrete that can even increase crop yields. Now scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have improved upon a radical new innovation—battery concrete. A new study published in the journal PNAS details how…Continue…Continue Reading Scientists are turning giants slabs of concrete into freaking batteries

New concrete battery delivers 10x energy boost, turns buildings into giant power banks

“Concrete has long built our cities, but researchers now see it as a future power source, too. A new form of electron-conducting carbon concrete, or ec³, can store and release electricity. The breakthrough from MIT scientists shows how everyday walls, sidewalks, and even bridges could double as giant batteries.” Read more in Interesting Engineering: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/concrete-battery-energy-storage-mit…Continue…Continue Reading New concrete battery delivers 10x energy boost, turns buildings into giant power banks

Concrete “battery” developed at MIT now packs 10 times the power

This article highlights the advancements in ec^3 technology highlighted in our new PNAS paper. Thanks to optimized electrolytes, learnings from 3D imaging, and a new cast-in-electrolyte technique, ec^3 concrete supercapacitors can now achieve a 10x higher energy density and a wider range of architectural forms. “The Ancient Romans made great advances in concrete construction. Massive…Continue…Continue Reading Concrete “battery” developed at MIT now packs 10 times the power

MIT ec³ hub heads to Fukushima for Yui 2025 Technical Showcase

Conductive concrete made its way to Fukushima, Japan, for the Yui 2025 Technical Showcase alongside Aizawa Concrete. Together, we demonstrated the application and function of ec^3 technology, including large-scale, modular columns that can be integrated into buildings to provide energy storage and release capabilities while serving as structural elements. We had great discussions with concrete…Continue…Continue Reading MIT ec³ hub heads to Fukushima for Yui 2025 Technical Showcase

MIT ec³ hub attends NYC Climate Week MIT showcase

Conductive concrete technology came to New York City on September 24, as the MIT ec³ hub and MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub joined innovators across the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the MIT Climate Project Innovation Showcase. We had great discussions on the applications and future of concrete supercapacitors with an international audience, including prominent venture…Continue…Continue Reading MIT ec³ hub attends NYC Climate Week MIT showcase

ec^3 Technology featured in Der Spiegel

German news magazine interviewed ec^3 researchers on the potential of carbon-cement supercapacitors to enable homes to store energy from intermittent sources like solar to continously power residential energy needs. Watch the video. (German language)….Continue Reading ec^3 Technology featured in Der Spiegel…Continue Reading ec^3 Technology featured in Der Spiegel

Self-heating panels demo in Sapporo, Japan

Our self-heating concrete panels were placed in Odori Park last week to demonstrate how conductive concrete can melt snow and ice, improving pedestrian and driver safety while reducing energy consumption versus conventional heating methods. Thank you to Aizawa Concrete Corporation for sponsoring this research and facilitating this collaboration….Continue Reading Self-heating panels demo in Sapporo, Japan…Continue Reading Self-heating panels demo in Sapporo, Japan

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