Carbon–cement supercapacitors as a scalable bulk energy storage solution

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304318120
• Publication Date: 2023-07-31T19:07:46Z
• Authors: Nicolas Chanut; Damian Stefaniuk; James C. Weaver; Yunguang Zhu; Yang Shao-Horn; Admir Masic; Franz-Josef Ulm
• Keywords: Carbon fibers

The large-scale implementation of renewable energy systems necessitates the development storage solutions to effectively manage imbalances between supply and demand. Herein, we investigate such a scalable material solution for in supercapacitors constructed from readily available precursors that can be locally sourced virtually anywhere on planet, namely cement, water, carbon black. We characterize our carbon-cement electrodes by combining correlative EDS–Raman spectroscopy with capacitance measurements derived cyclic voltammetry galvanostatic charge-discharge experiments using integer fractional derivatives correct rate current intensity effects. Texture analysis reveals hydration reactions cement presence generate fractal-like electron-conducting network permeates load-bearing cement-based matrix. capacity this space-filling black high specific surface area accessible charge is shown an intensive quantity, whereas high-rate capability exhibits self-similarity due porosity transport. This self-similar nature represents opportunity mass scaling electrode structural scales. availability, versatility, scalability these opens horizon design multifunctional structures leverage capacity, charge/discharge capabilities, strength sustainable residential industrial applications ranging autarkic shelters self-charging roads electric vehicles, intermittent wind turbines tidal power stations.