Smart concrete: The rise of energy-storing concrete

Researchers at MIT have developed a new form of concrete capable of storing and releasing electrical energy, a breakthrough that could transform how infrastructure interacts with renewable power. Known as electron-conducting carbon concrete (ec³), the material combines cement, water, a liquid electrolyte, and nanoscale carbon black. This composition creates a conductive internal network that allows structures such as bridges, pavements, and walls to act as large-scale supercapacitors.

Recent advancements have increased ec³’s energy storage capacity tenfold since 2023. Five cubic meters of the material can now store over 10 kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to power an average household for a day. This was achieved by mixing electrolytes directly into the concrete during preparation rather than adding them afterward. Researchers also discovered that various electrolytes, including seawater and organic compounds containing quaternary ammonium salts, significantly enhance performance. These developments could make ec³ suitable for diverse environments, from coastal infrastructure to urban buildings.

Unlike conventional batteries, ec³ can be integrated directly into structural components and last as long as the structure itself. Beyond energy storage, its conductive properties open opportunities for self-heating pavements, real-time stress monitoring, and potential carbon capture. The team demonstrated its dual functionality through a small ec³ arch capable of bearing load while powering an LED light. This multifunctional concrete could mark a major step toward sustainable, self-powered buildings and infrastructure that complement renewable energy systems.