A team of researchers from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) has recently invented a new supercapacitor that has the potential to transform houses into giant batteries, significantly increasing their capacity to store solar and wind energy.
This innovation could also enable the possibility of recharging electric vehicles while driving through an integration into the roads.
This marks the beginning of a true revolution in renewable energy, addressing various issues related to the use of solar panels and traditional charging stations for electric cars.
The new supercapacitor, developed by MIT researchers and detailed in a study published in the journal PNAS, is constructed using common materials with exceptional energy storage capabilities.
Black carbon nanoparticle (also known as carbon black or carbon black) and water are key components mixed with cement to form the supercapacitor.
The black carbon nanoparticles are blended within the concrete in a fractal structure, maximizing the contact surface area between the materials by facilitating the flow of water.
This composite material is then immersed in an electrolyte solution composed of water and minerals that carry an electric charge.
The final supercapacitor consists of two plates made of this material separated by a membrane.
The energy density of this supercapacitor has been measured at 300 watt-hours per cubic meter, which means that with approximately 40 cubic meters of this material, one could store enough energy to meet and exceed the energy needs of an average Italian family.
To achieve this level of efficiency, researchers are considering the idea of integrating the supercapacitor directly into the building’s foundations, effectively turning the house into a massive battery.
In addition to residential buildings, these supercapacitors could also be integrated into roads to provide power to moving vehicles.
While widespread implementation may require substantial time and investments, this ambitious project lays the groundwork for a new perspective on renewable energy, offering unparalleled energy storage capacity.
Although there are more efficient energy storage solutions in terms of the energy-to-volume ratio, this supercapacitor stands out for its simplicity in material composition.
Thanks to meticulous design, the manufacturing processes could be further simplified, leading to reduced costs—a crucial factor for the widespread adoption of this technology.
However, advancements in larger and more efficient versions are still needed.
Researchers are aiming to develop versions with a capacity of 45 cubic meters, specifically designed to meet the energy needs of average families.
While the road to implementing these super batteries in our homes may be long, this functional system undeniably holds the potential to shape the future of renewable energy worldwide.
For more exciting news on renewable energy, check out this article about a new source of renewable energy that will surprise you.
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