A team from the University of Aarhus in Denmark has achieved a revolutionary breakthrough: the development of a biohybrid cement capable of storing electricity within its own walls, without the need for external systems.
This material acts as a supercapacitor, thanks to the integration of electroactive bacteria that transform the structure into a functional energy component.
Energy-generating Bacteria: Living Science in Construction
Shewanella oneidensis enables the creation of a charging network within the cement without altering its strength.
The heart of this innovation lies in the bacterium Shewanella oneidensis, known for its ability to transfer electrons externally.
When incorporated into the cement mixture, these bacteria survive and create an internal charging network, allowing the material to store and release electrical energy without losing its structural properties.
Even when the bacteria die, the system retains part of its functionality. And if nutrients are reintroduced through an internal microfluidic network, microbial activity is re-activated, restoring up to 80% of the original energy capacity.
Successful Trials and Structural Resilience
The biohybrid cement withstands extreme conditions and can power basic devices.
Tests show that the material maintains its functionality even under freezing or high temperatures.
By connecting six blocks, researchers were able to power an LED light for a significant period, demonstrating its potential for low-intensity urban applications.
An Ecological Alternative to Conventional Batteries
Common materials, natural bacteria, and low environmental impact.
Unlike traditional batteries, which rely on critical minerals like lithium or cobalt, biohybrid cement uses accessible materials and non-genetically modified bacteria, making it a scalable and sustainable solution.
This technology redefines energy durability as it does not require replacement but revitalization with nutrients.
Energetic Architecture: Buildings that Store their Own Electricity
The concept aligns with European trends in sustainable urban design.
The idea of turning construction elements into active components of the urban energy system is gaining ground. Initiatives like the New European Bauhaus promote multifunctional materials that integrate sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion.
Countries like the Netherlands and Germany are already exploring similar solutions for dense urban areas.
Regulatory Drive and Decarbonization of the Construction Sector
The European Union advocates for materials that reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency.
The innovation aligns with the European regulatory framework aiming to decarbonize construction, one of the sectors with the highest environmental footprint.
Integrating energy storage directly into walls, bridges, or facades could significantly reduce emissions and promote energy decentralization, enabling self-sufficient buildings to ease the burden on the grid.
