Applications of Thermoelectric Cement Leading to Sustainable Development of Infrastructures

Abstract

Thermoelectric cement, an innovative material that converts temperature gradients into electrical energy, holds transformative potential for sustainable infrastructure development. By integrating thermoelectric properties into cement-based composites, this technology enables energy harvesting from waste heat in urban and industrial environments, reducing fossil fuel dependency and mitigating the cement industry’s significant carbon footprint. This study explores the technical principles, material compositions, applications, and sustainability implications of thermoelectric cement in infrastructures, including buildings, pavements, bridges, and industrial facilities. Through a systematic literature review and analytical framework, the study evaluates performance metrics, environmental benefits, economic viability, and implementation challenges. The findings underscore thermoelectric cement’s alignment with global sustainability goals, such as clean energy production and climate action, while proposing a roadmap for scaling its adoption in megastructures. This study provides a comprehensive resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers to advance thermoelectric cement toward a low-carbon, resilient future.