Energy-Harvesting Pavement Materials: A Review of Technologies for Sustainable Infrastructure

Abstract

Energy-harvesting pavement materials represent an innovative frontier in sustainable infrastructure,
leveraging ambient kinetic, thermal, and solar energy inherent in roadways to power sensor networks, lighting, and low-power devices. This review comprehensively examines the state-of-the-art technologies piezoelectric transducers embedded within asphalt, thermoelectric generators (TEGs) exploiting pavement temperature gradients, and photovoltaic/solar-thermal systems integrated into surfaces such as solar roads or bike paths. Recent advances include improved piezoelectric materials (e.g., PZT, PVDF, lead-free ceramics), cantilevered beam configurations, and optimized embedment strategies that maximize power output under vehicular loading. Thermoelectric systems have been explored using asphalt solar collectors and pipe-based systems to reduce surface temperature while harvesting heat. Solar-integrated pavements, such as the Netherlands’ SolaRoad and France’s Wattway pilot projects, demonstrate technological potential, though challenges in durability, cost, and efficiency persist. The review critically assesses field deployments and laboratory prototypes, evaluating power density, installation complexity, life-cycle cost, and resilience under traffic. Piezoelectric systems show instantaneous power in the milliwatt to watt range sufficient for distributed IoT sensors and weigh-in-motion systems. Thermoelectric harvesters can mitigate urban heat islands while powering remote monitoring. Solar pavements promise distributed generation but face structural limitations and economic constraints. Emerging nanogenerators and triboelectric systems offer high conversion efficiency yet remain unproven at scale. The review includes a comparative table summarizing performance across key metrics and discusses methodological considerations for evaluating these systems LCA, durability testing, embedment design, and hybridization of multiple harvesting modalities. Future research priorities include developing standards for durability and integration, combining modalities (e.g. piezo + thermoelectric + solar), leveraging AI for design optimization, and ensuring materials and designs are climate-resilient and cost-effective. This review aims to guide researchers, engineers, and policymakers in identifying viable pathways toward integrating energy-harvesting pavements into sustainable infrastructure ecosystems.