Scientists from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), RMIT University and the University of Melbourne have developed a prototype quantum battery that demonstrates fast, scalable energy storage using collective quantum effects.
Scientists from CSIRO – Australia’s national science agency – in collaboration with RMIT University and the University of Melbourne, have developed the first proof-of-concept quantum battery, demonstrating the potential for fast, scalable charging and energy storage based on the principle of collective quantum effects.
Like conventional batteries, the quantum version charges, stores and discharges energy – and is the first to do so. While far from commercial, it could one day change the way energy is stored and used.
Research leader James Quach, CSIRO’s head of quantum and engineering sciences, said his ultimate ambition is a future where electric cars charge much faster than petrol cars, or charge devices wirelessly over long distances.
“Our findings confirm a fundamental quantum effect that is completely counterintuitive: quantum batteries charge faster as they get bigger. Current batteries don’t function like that,” says Quach. “The research validates the exciting potential of quantum batteries for unprecedentedly efficient and fast energy storage.”
The CSIRO describes the prototype as the world’s first fully functioning proof-of-concept quantum battery, developed by CSIRO and collaborators, the University of Melbourne and RMIT.
Unique properties
CSIRO said quantum batteries exploit unique properties of quantum mechanics such as superposition and entanglement, while contemporary batteries typically rely on chemical reactions.
“The battery the researchers designed has a multi-layer organic microcavity and is charged wirelessly with a laser,” CSIRO said. “The team used advanced spectroscopy techniques to confirm the charging behavior of the prototype, showing that it retained stored energy six orders of magnitude longer than it took to charge.”
In an article written by Quach in The conversationhe explained a counterintuitive twist to the behavior of quantum battery storage units, where the units charge together faster than if they charged alone.
“Let’s say your quantum battery has N storage units, and each unit takes one second to charge. Collective effects mean that if all units are charged at the same time, each unit takes only 1∕√N seconds to charge,” Quach wrote.
The research also demonstrates fast, scalable charging and energy storage at room temperature, laying the foundation for next-generation energy solutions.
“While there is still much work to be done in quantum battery research, we have taken an important step toward realizing the possibilities,” said Quach. “The next step for quantum batteries right now is to extend their energy storage time. If we can overcome that hurdle, we’ll be a step closer to commercially viable quantum batteries.”
The research results have been published in the Light: science and applications magazine, entitled “Superextensive electric current from a quantum battery.”
CSIRO is seeking interest from potential development partners.
Dr. James Quach, principal investigator of quantum batteries at CSIRO
Image: CSIRO
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