Chinese Develop Hydrogel-Based Cement Capable of Generating and Storing Electricity

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 18/04/2025 at 17:24

Updated on 18/04/2025 at 17:38

Foto: Reprodução

2 people reacted to this.

Multifunctional Material Can Transform Buildings into Energy Sources and Represent a Milestone in Sustainable Construction

A new type of cement, developed by Chinese researchers, can transform the way we deal with energy in cities. The innovative material, based on the structure of plant stems, generates and stores electricity from heat.

The discovery represents an important advancement in the use of thermoelectric materials in civil construction.

Plant Structure as a Model for Innovation

The project is led by Professor Zhou Yang from Southeast University in China. The inspiration came from nature.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

High Thermal Efficiency and Impressive Performance

The recorded numbers are impressive. The new cement achieved a Seebeck coefficient of −40.5 mV/K, as well as a merit factor (ZT) of 6.6×10⁻².

These figures represent a sixteenfold increase compared to other similar materials that have been tested.

The structure favors the movement of hydroxyl ions (OH⁻) through the hydrogel, while calcium ions (Ca²⁺) are more retained at the interface with the cement.

This controlled difference in ion movement enhances the thermoelectric effect. In addition, the multilayer configuration improves the mechanical strength of the composite, making it suitable for robust constructions.

Generator and Battery in One Material

In addition to generating energy, the new cement also stores it. This means it functions as a thermoelectric generator while simultaneously acting as a storage system.

This feature makes it ideal for smart infrastructures, such as roads, bridges, and buildings that require constant energy to power sensors and devices without relying on external sources.

The performance is reinforced by the multiple interfaces within the material’s structure. These interfaces increase the electrochemical reactions between the components, further improving the efficiency of the system.

Impact and Uses in Sustainable Cities

Thermoelectric cement has the potential to change the energy landscape of cities. It can be used to convert ambient or waste heat into usable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, by directly powering sensors, it avoids the use of disposable batteries.

Another benefit is the contribution to the circular economy in civil construction. With this technology, materials not only build but also generate and manage energy.

This reduces the environmental impact of cement, one of the largest carbon emitters on the planet.

With these advances, the proposal aligns with sustainability goals and may mark the beginning of a new era in urban architecture: the era of cities that produce their own energy.

Published in the Science Bulletin, the study shows how the union of natural inspiration and technological innovation can pave the way for cleaner, more efficient, and energy-independent cities.

Chinese Develop Hydrogel-Based Cement Capable of Generating and Storing Electricity

Multifunctional Material Can Transform Buildings into Energy Sources and Represent a Milestone in Sustainable Construction

Plant Structure as a Model for Innovation

High Thermal Efficiency and Impressive Performance

Generator and Battery in One Material

Impact and Uses in Sustainable Cities

A village with 115 inhabitants wants new residents: it offers a house, a job, up to 44 thousand euros in benefits, almost free rent, an annual grant of 8 thousand euros for 3 years, and a 20 thousand euro incentive for businesses in the mountains of Italy.

NASA is offering US$ 750,000 to people from anywhere in the world who solve a problem that could decide survival on Mars: creating food for astronauts without relying on resupply from Earth.

Belgium will sink 23 giant concrete caissons, each weighing 22,000 tons, in the North Sea to build the world’s first artificial energy island 45 km off the coast, forming offshore electrical walls.

New microwave that can replace three appliances hits the market: Sharp launches 3-in-1 model that combines air fryer, convection oven, and heating in 0.9 cubic feet for small kitchens

While Brazil has been discussing bullet trains for 16 years, China delivers 5 new high-speed lines in 2026, surpasses 50,000 km of HSR, and moves 1 billion passengers in a single year.

While countries spend billions to draw water from the sea, a Nobel-winning scientist creates a container-sized machine that extracts up to 1,000 liters per day from dry air and uses ultrasound to release water in minutes, even in the middle of the desert.

With an 88-meter wingspan, a capacity of 250 tons, six engines, and 32 wheels, the Ukrainian giant became the greatest symbol of extreme air transport and one of the most impressive machines in aviation history.

With a TSI engine of up to 150 hp, a 420-liter trunk, a 10.1-inch VW Play infotainment system, and almost 7,900 units sold in April 2026, Volkswagen’s SUV remains the segment leader, leaving Creta, Tracker, and Compass behind.

A young woman from a Rio de Janeiro community, daughter of a single mother and a former public school student, has been accepted into one of the world’s most competitive universities and also secured spots at four other US institutions.

Researchers found evidence that the human brain can react to the Earth’s magnetic field, according to a study published in the journal eNeuro. The participants remained in a sealed chamber and didn’t even notice when the magnetic field was altered.

The next generation of the Toyota Corolla could become almost unrecognizable next to the current model, according to projections, the images show a tapered front end, LED bar headlights, recessed door handles, and a new rear end with two light strips.

Millionaire mansions, thousands of heads of cattle, landing strips, and giant farms: the rural empire of the biggest sertanejo stars, away from the stages and in the heart of agribusiness.

Chinese Develop Hydrogel-Based Cement Capable of Generating and Storing Electricity

Multifunctional Material Can Transform Buildings into Energy Sources and Represent a Milestone in Sustainable Construction

Plant Structure as a Model for Innovation

High Thermal Efficiency and Impressive Performance

Generator and Battery in One Material

Impact and Uses in Sustainable Cities

A village with 115 inhabitants wants new residents: it offers a house, a job, up to 44 thousand euros in benefits, almost free rent, an annual grant of 8 thousand euros for 3 years, and a 20 thousand euro incentive for businesses in the mountains of Italy.

NASA is offering US$ 750,000 to people from anywhere in the world who solve a problem that could decide survival on Mars: creating food for astronauts without relying on resupply from Earth.

Belgium will sink 23 giant concrete caissons, each weighing 22,000 tons, in the North Sea to build the world’s first artificial energy island 45 km off the coast, forming offshore electrical walls.

New microwave that can replace three appliances hits the market: Sharp launches 3-in-1 model that combines air fryer, convection oven, and heating in 0.9 cubic feet for small kitchens

While Brazil has been discussing bullet trains for 16 years, China delivers 5 new high-speed lines in 2026, surpasses 50,000 km of HSR, and moves 1 billion passengers in a single year.

While countries spend billions to draw water from the sea, a Nobel-winning scientist creates a container-sized machine that extracts up to 1,000 liters per day from dry air and uses ultrasound to release water in minutes, even in the middle of the desert.

With an 88-meter wingspan, a capacity of 250 tons, six engines, and 32 wheels, the Ukrainian giant became the greatest symbol of extreme air transport and one of the most impressive machines in aviation history.

Researchers found evidence that the human brain can react to the Earth’s magnetic field, according to a study published in the journal eNeuro. The participants remained in a sealed chamber and didn’t even notice when the magnetic field was altered.

Sweden resumes in Luleå the largest dredging of its modern era and will remove 22 million cubic meters to take the port beyond its 50,000-ton limit, make way for 160,000-ton ships, and unlock the ore route in the Baltic Sea.

Brazil is in the race for the artificial sun with tokamaks, public research, and a global billion-dollar competition that aims to transform plasma at 100 million degrees into clean, safe, and almost inexhaustible energy for the planet’s future.

While millions suffer from water scarcity, Stanford scientists create hydrogel that extracts potable water from the air using solar energy, lasts more than eight months, and paves the way for water supply almost anywhere.

With a TSI engine of up to 150 hp, a 420-liter trunk, a 10.1-inch VW Play infotainment system, and almost 7,900 units sold in April 2026, Volkswagen’s SUV remains the segment leader, leaving Creta, Tracker, and Compass behind.

A young woman from a Rio de Janeiro community, daughter of a single mother and a former public school student, has been accepted into one of the world’s most competitive universities and also secured spots at four other US institutions.

Researchers found evidence that the human brain can react to the Earth’s magnetic field, according to a study published in the journal eNeuro. The participants remained in a sealed chamber and didn’t even notice when the magnetic field was altered.

The next generation of the Toyota Corolla could become almost unrecognizable next to the current model, according to projections, the images show a tapered front end, LED bar headlights, recessed door handles, and a new rear end with two light strips.

Millionaire mansions, thousands of heads of cattle, landing strips, and giant farms: the rural empire of the biggest sertanejo stars, away from the stages and in the heart of agribusiness.