As global energy demands rise and carbon neutrality becomes imperative, traditional construction materials like cement are being reimagined with multifunctional capabilities. Now, researchers from Shenzhen University, led by Prof. Chunyu Du and Prof. Guangming Chen, have published a comprehensive review on cement-based thermoelectric materials (CTEMs) and their potential applications in smart buildings, energy harvesting, and structural monitoring. This work offers a timely and systematic overview of how cement can go beyond construction to become an active energy material.
Why Cement-Based Thermoelectric Materials Matter
Innovative Design and Features
Applications and Future Outlook
Challenges and Opportunities
The review highlights key challenges such as material compatibility, device stability, and cost-effectiveness, and proposes future directions in multiscale modeling, standardized testing, and application-specific design. With continued interdisciplinary research, CTEMs are poised to become a cornerstone technology for intelligent, sustainable infrastructure.
This comprehensive review provides a roadmap for the development and deployment of cement-based thermoelectric materials. It underscores the importance of materials science, civil engineering, and energy technology convergence in shaping the future of smart construction. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking work from Prof. Chunyu Du and Prof. Guangming Chen at Shenzhen University!
Nano-Micro Letters
Experimental study
Cement‑Based Thermoelectric Materials, Devices and Applications
11-Aug-2025