Date of Award
12-11-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
First Advisor
Shihui Liu
Second Advisor
Lin Li
Abstract
This dissertation presented the design, fabrication, and evaluation of rechargeable cement-based batteries (CBB) for energy storage within infrastructure. The study aimed to integrate electrochemical energy storage directly into cementitious materials, enabling multifunctional and sustainable building systems. Nickel–iron electrodes and cement-based solid electrolytes to form durable, solid-state systems. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests，along with microscopic testing and mechanical testing analyses, were conducted to assess battery performance. The carbon fiber mesh CBB achieved stable cycling over 100 cycles with quasi-reversible redox behavior and a maximum areal energy density of 7.6 Wh m⁻². Nickel foam electrodes, with their 3D porous structure, outperformed carbon fiber mesh, offering better ion transport, higher capacity, and an average energy density of 11.1 Wh/m² over 30 cycles. Polyacrylic acid (PAA) as an electrolyte functional additive enhances the pore structure of cement-based electrolytes. The battery system achieves a average energy density of 13.1 Wh·m⁻² with 3.75 wt% PAA. Incorporation of ion-exchange fibers (IEF) into the electrolyte further increased discharge energy density to 16.6 Wh m⁻² by forming continuous hydroxide-ion conduction networks. Alkali-activated slag/glass-powder electrolytes provided comparable ionic conductivity (3.52 mS cm⁻¹) and high compressive strength (17.27 MPa) with reduced cement content, advancing sustainability. Temperature tests (–40°C – 100°C) revealed optimal electrochemical activity near 50 °C and structural degradation above 70 °C. This research offers promising insights into integrating cement-based batteries into self- sustaining energy systems for infrastructure, highlighting the potential for practical applications in energy storage.
Recommended Citation
Yin, Dandan, "Design and development of rechargeable cement-based batteries for energy storage within infrastructure" (2025). Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations. 335.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/alumni-etd/335