Could a 'power brick' be a new energy storage device?

Researchers have transformed standard bricks into energy-storing devices, The Guardian reports, potentially adding a new function to these omnipresent construction materials. The team created these "power bricks" by utilizing the iron oxide stored in the brick that gives it a red color.

What are thermal energy storage bricks?

Thermal energy storage bricks: These are bricks filled with phase change materials, substances that can absorb and release heat during phase transitions, such as melting or freezing. They can regulate the indoor temperature and reduce the cooling or heating load of the building. Here are some of the advantages of energy storing bricks:

How much energy can a brick store?

However, the amount of energy they can store is very small: just 1% of that stored in a lithium-ion battery of same size. The team hopes to improve the energy-storage capacity of these bricks by experimenting with adding materials such as metal oxides to the brick.

What are the best practices for energy storing bricks?

Here are some of the best practices for getting the most from energy storing bricks: Choosing the right bricks: Not all bricks are suitable as they need a porous structure and a high iron oxide content to create supercapacitors.

What are the success stories of energy storing bricks?

Some of the success stories of energy storing bricks are: Washington University in St. Louis researchers have developed a method to convert conventional bricks into supercapacitors by depositing conductive polymer nanofibers in their pores.

Are energy-storing bricks a game-changer?

Energy-storing bricks are game-changers for our future. They smooth out renewable energy fluctuations, empower communities with decentralized power, and seamlessly integrate into buildings, all at a cost-effective scale. They are a promising invention that could change the future of energy and sustainability. How Does It Work?