➀ MIT researchers developed electron-conducting carbon concrete (ec³) that integrates energy storage into infrastructure, functioning as a supercapacitor;

➁ Optimized electrolytes and manufacturing processes increased ec³'s energy storage capacity tenfold, reducing the required volume for household energy needs from 45 to 5 cubic meters;

➂ Potential applications include self-powered buildings, EV-charging roads, and off-grid homes, with additional functionalities like structural health monitoring and carbon sequestration.