Researchers in France and Spain have designed a groundbreaking cement-like material that not only supports structural loads but also functions as a rechargeable battery.
The team consisting of scientists from the University of Bordeaux and the University of Basque Country, believes this innovative device could pave the way for a new generation of energy-storing buildings, where walls themselves help store and deliver power.
Led by Vadim M. Kovrugin, PhD, an assistant professor specializing in energy storage, the study focused on transforming metakaolin – an amorphous, synthetic aluminosilicate produced by heating kaolinite clay – into functional energy-storing material.
When mixed with a carefully formulated activating solution, this highly reactive substance formed a durable geopolymer paste, which, once embedded with zinc (Zn) and manganese dioxide (MnO₂) electrodes, becomes a high-performance solid-state battery.
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