Turning Buildings Into Batteries: MIT’s Breakthrough In Conductive Concrete


What if concrete could store energy that turned buildings, roads, and infrastructure into massive power banks? In this episode, we’re joined by Damian Stefaniuk, Research Scientist at MIT’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Concrete Sustainability Hub (CSHub), and the Electron-Conductive Cement-based Materials Hub (EC³ Hub). Damian’s research explores how concrete can be engineered to conduct electricity and store energy at up to 10x the capacity of traditional materials — while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint of cement production…

Damian is a structural and materials engineering scientist who specializes in the development of sustainable construction materials and structures. His research focuses on science-enabled engineering of cement-based materials, with applications ranging from corrosion-resistant prestressed bridges and carbon-storing pre-cure carbonation to electron-conductive carbon concrete for renewable energy storage.  

Dive in now to discover:

  • How concrete can be made into a conductive material.

  • Carbon-based conductive cement and nanomaterials.

  • Infrastructure’s role in clean energy and emissions reduction.

You can follow along with Damian and his work here!

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C 

🛍️ Recommended Books from this Episode

📖 Energy Storage: Fundamentals, Materials and Applications (2nd Edition) – A comprehensive guide to the science, materials, and technologies behind modern energy storage systems.
👉 Get it here

📘 Supercapacitors: Materials, Systems, and Applications (Materials for Sustainable Energy and Development) – An in-depth look at supercapacitor technology, covering materials, design, and real-world energy applications.
👉 Check it out

📙 Linden's Handbook of Batteries (Fifth Edition) – A definitive reference on battery technology, design, performance, and emerging advancements in energy storage.
👉 Explore it here

📕 Electrochemical Supercapacitors: Scientific Fundamentals and Technological Applications – A detailed resource explaining the core science and practical applications of electrochemical supercapacitors.
👉 Discover it here

Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!


Check out this episode!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Anxiety Based Disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Distinguishing Fear and Anxiety with CBT Techniques with Catherine Pittman

What can we learn about our mental health from rats? Since our brains are similar, the answer may surprise you. Listen up to discover: The difference between fear and anxiety The pathways to anxiety and fear What a panic attack actually signals Catherine Pittman, an author and Professor of Psychology at St. Mary's College, shares her career developing cognitive behavioral therapy techniques dealing with fear and anxiety. By looking at how our brain may be similar to a rat's, we can begin to understand our fear responses and the effects they have. However, since it still triggers the amygdala, it can be challenging to control your body's response to stimuli. Since the cortex and amygdala are two of the important response centers in anxiety disorders, we must attempt to change how they learn. By presenting stimuli in a controlled setting with the help of cognitive behavioral therapies, relief can be brought to those who struggle with anxiety-based disorders. To learn...
Read more

Why Employer Health Insurance Costs Keep Rising And What Businesses Can Do About It

In this episode, we are joined by Chris Hamilton, Partner and Employee Benefits Practice Leader at Hotchkiss Insurance , an independent insurance agency based in Texas. With nearly two decades of experience in corporate finance and employee benefits, Chris helps employers navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, reduce costs, and gain greater control over their health plans by moving beyond traditional insurance models. In addition to his work at Hotchkiss Insurance , Chris is the founder of Benefits Insider , an educational platform dedicated to helping employers understand how healthcare financing really works. Through practical case studies, industry analysis, and real-world examples, he empowers business leaders to make more informed decisions about employee benefits and healthcare spending. Recognized as the 2025 BenefitsPro Advisor of the Year , Chris has become a leading voice on healthcare transparency, employer-sponsored health plans, and cost-containment strateg...
Read more

The Addiction Crisis Dr. Docekal On Prevention, Recovery, & The Future Of Behavioral Health

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Rachel Pappert Docekal to explore the neuroscience, social influences, and behavioral patterns driving addiction in today's world. As the CEO of Hanley Foundation , Dr. Docekal is leading efforts to prevent substance misuse through education, advocacy, treatment access, and recovery support.  Join us as Dr. Docekal shares her vision for addressing addiction at its roots and explains why prevention may be one of the most powerful tools we have in combating substance use disorders… Hit play to find out: How addiction affects the brain and influences human behavior. Why prevention and early intervention are critical in reducing substance abuse. The ways that social media can contribute to addiction trends today. How loneliness, technology, and modern lifestyles may increase vulnerability to addiction. Dr. Docekal holds a Bachelor of Arts from Chatham College, a Master of Business Administration from the Katz Graduate School of ...
Read more