April 30, 2025
In a major technological breakthrough, a research team in China has developed a revolutionary cement-based material that not only provides structural support but also generates and stores electricity. This innovation could transform the future of urban infrastructure, offering exciting possibilities for self-powered buildings, smart roads, and next-generation sustainable construction.
The team, led by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and top engineering universities, has successfully combined conventional cement with a hydrogel substance capable of conducting and storing electric energy. This hybrid cement-hydrogel composite material opens the door to infrastructure that serves as both a structural and energy system — a foundational shift for the development of smart cities.
How the Material Works
The cement-hydrogel composite functions through a synergy of its components. While the cement provides mechanical strength and durability, the hydrogel contributes electrochemical properties that enable energy harvesting and storage. When mechanical stress or pressure — such as that from walking, traffic, or wind — is applied, the material can convert this kinetic energy into electrical energy, much like a piezoelectric device. Additionally, the material stores this energy for later use, functioning in a manner similar to a supercapacitor.
According to the lead researchers, the material was tested in a lab setting and was able to power small LED lights and sensors after harvesting energy from mechanical vibrations. The team is now scaling up prototypes for real-world applications, with early field trials expected later this year.
Applications in Smart Infrastructure
The implications of this development are vast. In urban environments where demand for clean energy is soaring, buildings and roads made from this material could reduce reliance on external power sources. Imagine a highway that powers streetlights using the pressure generated by passing vehicles, or a building that stores energy during the day and uses it to run essential systems at night.
Smart homes could integrate this material into floors and walls, enabling them to generate electricity from foot traffic or shifting structural loads. Similarly, airports, railway stations, and malls — locations with high footfall — could benefit immensely by turning everyday movement into usable energy.
“This innovation represents a significant leap forward in sustainable construction and urban design,” said Professor Liu Wen, a materials science expert not affiliated with the study. “It integrates clean energy into the very fabric of our infrastructure.”
Boost to Carbon-Neutral Goals
This technology also supports global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Cement production is one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. By adding functionality to cement — making it not just structural but also energy-generating — the new material could help offset some of the environmental impacts traditionally associated with construction.
If adopted widely, this innovation could help countries meet carbon neutrality goals by enabling structures to partially power themselves, thus reducing overall energy consumption from fossil-fuel-based sources.
Challenges and Next Steps
Despite the promising lab results, researchers acknowledge that large-scale implementation will require further testing. Factors such as long-term durability, performance in extreme weather conditions, and cost of production are being studied closely.
“There is still work to do before this material can be commercially deployed,” noted the lead engineer of the team. “But we are optimistic. The preliminary results have been highly encouraging.”
Patent filings are already underway, and the team is in discussions with construction companies and city planners interested in pilot projects.
A New Era for Smart Cities
As urban populations continue to rise, the need for smarter, more sustainable infrastructure is becoming critical. This cement-hydrogel innovation offers a tangible solution to multiple challenges — combining structural integrity, energy generation, and storage in one material.
With further refinement, this breakthrough could mark the beginning of a new era where buildings, bridges, and roads aren’t just passive structures, but active participants in energy ecosystems.
