A groundbreaking breakthrough from Aarhus University introduces cement embedded with microbes capable of storing and releasing electricity, heralding a new era of self-sustaining, energy-efficient structures.
In a pioneering development that could reshape the future of industrial decarbonisation and building infrastructure, researchers at Aarhus University in Denmark have transformed ordinary cement into a “living” energy device capable of storing and recovering electricity. This innovative material, which integrates electroactive microorganisms within the cement matrix, offers a promising path to embed energy storage directly into the very structures of buildings, bridges, and walls.
Led by Dr Qi Luo, a postdoctoral researcher specialising in low carbon cement and multifunctional materials, the team’s breakthrough involves the use of the bacterium Shewanella oneidensis. These microbes are known for their ability to transfer electrons through extracellular electron transfer processes, effectively knitting a biofilm inside cured cement that holds electric charge. This fundamentally redefines cement from a traditional inert construction material into an active, charge-holding medium.
A key enabler of this “living cement” technology is a microfluidic network embedded within the material. This tiny network of channels supplies vital nutrients, salts and vitamins, that keep the microbes alive and active over time, allowing the device to self-revive and regain up to 80% of its charge capacity during maintenance cycles without replacing any material. Such a feature is crucial for the practical longevity of this technology in real-world structures, where ongoing microbial activity in a harsh, alkaline cement environment may otherwise be difficult to sustain.
Laboratory trials have demonstrated impressive results: the microbial cement supercapacitor achieved an energy density of approximately 81 Wh per pound (about 178.7 Wh/kg) and maintained 85% capacitance after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, indicating durable performance. Devices assembled from multiple blocks successfully powered LEDs, confirming practical energy release capabilities. Moreover, the cement retains its compressive strength and typical structural properties, which meets critical industry standards and facilitates potential integration into existing construction practices.
This approach contrasts with more conventional energy storage in buildings, which often relies on external batteries that require additional space, wiring, and maintenance staff. Embedding energy storage within structural materials themselves could substantially reduce clutter, streamline construction, and localise energy storage to reduce losses from long-distance power transmission, particularly important during peak demand periods in urban environments.
Notably, this technology complements other advances in the field of structural energy storage. For instance, engineers at MIT have developed a cement-based supercapacitor using carbon black to create large-scale conductive concrete capable of rapid energy storage and release. This carbon concrete technology can also maintain structural integrity while providing energy storage, aiming to support renewable energy integration in cities. The microbial cement approach adds a biological dimension to this toolkit, offering a self-healing, self-sustaining energy device embedded in the built environment.
Despite its promise, challenges remain, particularly around the shelf life of living components when exposed to dry indoor air, road salts, and other environmental factors common in construction settings. Ensuring passive safety when microbial activity wanes is essential, as is developing user-friendly nutrient refilling protocols. The researchers envision buildings equipped with small nutrient reservoirs that can refresh the microbes on a routine schedule, alongside inspection standards and maintenance logs that align with industry practices.
Looking ahead, scalability and integration into supply chains will be pivotal to commercial adoption. The system must remain cost-effective, simple to install, and compatible with standard building materials and codes. Regulatory frameworks and verification protocols will need to evolve to ensure the new material meets safety, electrical performance, and durability expectations as pilot projects expand.
This breakthrough resonates strongly with the industrial decarbonisation imperative, promising a dual-function structural material that not only supports buildings but contributes to localised clean energy management. By combining structural integrity with functional energy storage and self-healing capacity, the microbial cement supercapacitor represents a compelling step toward smarter, more sustainable urban infrastructure.
The study, published in Cell Reports Physical Science, marks a significant milestone in the fusion of biology, material science, and energy technology to meet the future needs of decarbonised, resilient built environments.
- https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-convert-cement-into-living-device-capable-of-storing-recovering-energy/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666386425004096 – A study published in Cell Reports Physical Science details the development of microbial cement supercapacitors that enable structural energy storage. By integrating electroactive microorganisms into cement, researchers transformed it into a ‘living’ energy device capable of storing and releasing charge. The system achieved an energy density of 178.7 Wh/kg and a power density of 8.3 kW/kg, retaining 85% capacitance after 10,000 cycles. A microfluidic network supplies nutrients to maintain microbial activity, allowing up to 80% capacitance recovery and sustaining long-term charge transfer efficiency.
- https://www.livescience.com/technology/electronics/self-healing-concrete-batteries-now-10-times-better-they-could-one-day-power-cities-scientists-say – MIT researchers have significantly enhanced a new energy-storage material called electron-conducting carbon concrete (ec³), increasing its energy storage capacity tenfold since 2023. Ec³ combines cement, water, a liquid electrolyte, and nanoscale carbon black to form a conductive concrete capable of storing and releasing energy. This advancement supports supercapacitive energy storage, providing a promising solution for storing renewable energy locally when sources like solar or wind are inactive. The improved material could one day power cities by integrating energy storage into infrastructure.
- https://news.mit.edu/2023/mit-engineers-create-supercapacitor-ancient-materials-0731 – MIT engineers have created a supercapacitor made from cement, water, and carbon black, materials that have been used for millennia. This device can store large amounts of energy and could form the basis for inexpensive systems that store intermittently renewable energy, such as solar or wind energy. The supercapacitor retains the structural integrity of concrete while providing energy storage capabilities, offering a novel approach to integrating energy storage into building materials.
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230731151603.htm – Engineers have developed a supercapacitor made from cement, water, and carbon black, materials that have been used for millennia. This device can store large amounts of energy and could form the basis for inexpensive systems that store intermittently renewable energy, such as solar or wind energy. The supercapacitor retains the structural integrity of concrete while providing energy storage capabilities, offering a novel approach to integrating energy storage into building materials.
- https://www.iflscience.com/living-cement-the-microbes-in-your-walls-could-power-the-future-80813 – Researchers from Aarhus University and Chongqing Jiaotong University have successfully embedded the bacterium Shewanella oneidensis into hardened cement, creating a ‘microbial-cement hybrid.’ This living material not only holds up buildings but also acts as a rechargeable energy storage system. The bacteria transfer electrons to enhance charge mobility within the cement mixture, allowing the material to store and release energy. This breakthrough points toward a future where the materials that make up our cities might also help power them.
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230731151603.htm – Engineers have developed a supercapacitor made from cement, water, and carbon black, materials that have been used for millennia. This device can store large amounts of energy and could form the basis for inexpensive systems that store intermittently renewable energy, such as solar or wind energy. The supercapacitor retains the structural integrity of concrete while providing energy storage capabilities, offering a novel approach to integrating energy storage into building materials.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative is based on a recent press release from Aarhus University, dated 11 September 2025, detailing the development of a microbial cement supercapacitor. ([bce.au.dk](https://bce.au.dk/en/currently/news/show/artikel/living-cement-scientists-turn-bacteria-infused-cement-into-energy-storing-supercapacitors?utm_source=openai)) This press release is the earliest known publication of this information, indicating high freshness. The article was republished on Earth.com on 26 November 2025, which is within the 7-day window, further supporting its freshness. ([earth.com](https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-convert-cement-into-living-device-capable-of-storing-recovering-energy//?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes attributed to Dr Qi Luo in the article match those found in the original press release from Aarhus University, confirming their authenticity and originality. ([bce.au.dk](https://bce.au.dk/en/currently/news/show/artikel/living-cement-scientists-turn-bacteria-infused-cement-into-energy-storing-supercapacitors?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, Aarhus University, which is a well-established institution in Denmark. The press release is published on their official website, indicating a high level of reliability. ([bce.au.dk](https://bce.au.dk/en/currently/news/show/artikel/living-cement-scientists-turn-bacteria-infused-cement-into-energy-storing-supercapacitors?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are consistent with the findings published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell Reports Physical Science, where the study was officially published on 17 September 2025. ([pure.au.dk](https://pure.au.dk/portal/en/publications/living-microbial-cement-supercapacitors-with-reactivatable-energy?utm_source=openai)) The integration of Shewanella oneidensis into cement to create a living energy device is a plausible and innovative approach in the field of material science. The article provides specific details, such as the energy density of 178.7 Wh/kg and the ability to recover up to 80% of its charge capacity, which are supported by the original research. ([pure.au.dk](https://pure.au.dk/portal/en/publications/living-microbial-cement-supercapacitors-with-reactivatable-energy?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on a recent and original press release from Aarhus University, detailing a groundbreaking development in microbial cement technology. The quotes are directly sourced from the press release, and the information aligns with the peer-reviewed publication in Cell Reports Physical Science. The source is highly reliable, and the claims made are plausible and supported by scientific evidence. Therefore, the overall assessment is a PASS with high confidence.
