Work

Sustainable cementitious alternatives for thermal energy storage: slag-based alkali-activated and hybrid materials

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The transition to sustainable energy highlights the importance of thermal energy storage (TES) systems, particularly in concentrated solar power plants. While Portland cement has shown potential in TES applications, its high CO₂ emissions limit its sustainability. Therefore, this research examines alternative cementitious materials, specifically alkali-activated (AAM) and hybrid alkaline materials (HM), which use blast furnace slag as a binder and incorporate recycled aggregates such as glass waste and electric arc furnace slag. These alternatives not only demonstrate enhanced thermal and mechanical stability up to 500 °C but also exhibit improved energy efficiency. Finite Element Method simulations indicate that these alternatives can reduce TES system volume and improve heat transfer efficiency. Additionally, Life Cycle Assessment highlights significant reductions in carbon and water footprints. This study provides insights into the use of AAM and HM mortars as viable, lower-impact alternatives that align with sustainability goals in renewable energy applications.

Source: Materiales de Construcción

DOI: 10.3989/mc.2025.401224

Authors: I. Ramón-Álvarez, E. Batuecas, D. Serrano, A. Caggiano, S. Sánchez-Delgado, M. Torres-Carrasco

Institutions: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, University of Genoa

Language: English

Topic: Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Comunidad de Madrid, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación