The ec3 concrete is made from cement, water, very fine carbon powder (carbon black), and electrolytes. The combination of these materials creates a conductive “nano-network,” which allows structural elements—such as walls, sidewalks, or bridges—to store and release electrical energy, effectively functioning as large batteries.
Until now, this technology faced limitations, primarily due to low voltage and challenges in scaling up. However, the MIT research team that developed ec3 has recently increased its energy storage capacity tenfold. With this new improvement, approximately five cubic meters of concrete—roughly the volume of a typical basement wall—can store enough energy to meet the daily electricity needs of an average household.
This progress was made possible through high-resolution 3D imaging, which helped researchers better understand how the conductive carbon network (the “electrode”) works and interacts with electrolytes. Based on these insights, they tested different types and concentrations of electrolytes.
The researchers found that a wide range of electrolytes can be used, including seawater. This suggests that the material could be employed in coastal or marine structures, such as the foundations of offshore wind turbines.
At the same time, the method of integrating electrolytes into the mixture was improved, allowing the construction of thicker “electrodes” capable of storing more energy.
Although ec3 does not match the energy density of conventional batteries, it offers a key advantage: it can be directly incorporated into the structural elements of a building and last as long as the building itself. To demonstrate this capability, the researchers built a small ec3 arch, which supported its own weight and an additional load while simultaneously powering an LED light.