Researchers at the University of Washington (St. Louis) have succeeded in developing a building material capable of storing energy. Their research began with the realization that hematite, a very affordable iron oxide widely used in catalysts, magnets and other alloys, was also used in supercapacitors, electronic components capable of storing energy. Based on this observation, the researchers set out to look for a material naturally rich in hematite. This is particularly the case with certain building bricks.
To transform these simple bricks into an energy supercapacitor, the researchers explained in their report that they had sprayed a substance called EDOT (3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) which, by oxidizing, turns into PEDOT (Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). )), a conductive polymer. Once pulverized, the bricks are therefore able to conduct and store an electrical charge, like a battery or rather a supercapacitor.
The researchers managed to power an LED desk lamp for nearly an hour using 50 of these supercapacitor bricks. These are able to withstand more than 10,000 charge-discharge cycles which makes it a very resistant material.
A nice future
The concept is therefore very promising, even if in the current state, its potential is quite limited. We are still very far from seeing a house entirely powered by this type of material. Especially since, if the bricks are inexpensive, this is not the case with PEDOT. But it may be that small devices will soon be powered through this.
In addition, according to the director of the laboratory behind the project, Julio D'Arcy, these bricks could soon store as much energy as a conventional lithium battery for less and with less impact on the environment. In addition, supercapacitors are safer, more reliable and faster to recharge than conventional batteries. The concept is therefore particularly promising. One can even imagine that one day, entire buildings will be based on this concept.
High-Tech
Scientists create new, safer lithium batteries
Planet
Energies: Historic decrease in coal in the first half of 2020
- Innovation
- Technology
- Science
- Drums
- energy savings
- energy
- High-Tech