José Carlos Rubio wanted to discover whether he could find a technique to light up highways and roads at night without the need of electricity. He soon discovered a genuinely novel solution: by modifying the fine structure of cement, he was able to create a type that appears to glow in the dark.

Rubio has been investigating cement for 9 years at the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo. The fact that cement is opaque, he continued, was the first issue to address. He began researching the cement-making process. Cement begins as dust combined with water in one method of manufacture. Crystal flakes form as it begins to gel. The flakes are an unnecessary byproduct, so Rubio discovered a way to change the microstructure of cement so they wouldn’t be present. This results in a thrilling effect: his cement without crystals can absorb solar energy and emit it as light at night.

The light-emitting device, according to Rubio, may endure for 100 years and produce illumination for about 12 hours at night. The brightness of the light that is emitted can be adjusted so that it does not blind drivers or bikers. The light is a cool green or blue color.

Not only would the cement save energy, but the manufacturing process would also be environmentally friendly. Only water vapor is generated during the manufacturing process.

There are numerous business uses; according to Rubio, four billion tons of cement were produced worldwide in 2015, and the glowing cement can be utilized for both roadways and structures. The method might also be employed in the construction of plaster. Rubio's research has progressed to the point where it can be commercialized.