Australian scientists have made a significant leap forward in energy storage technology with the world's first proof-of-concept quantum battery.
Similar to conventional batteries, this quantum version charges, stores and discharges energy – and is the first to do so.
Fully functioning quantum batteries don't yet exist, but they could transform how we store and use energy in the future.
The research by CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, and collaborators RMIT University and the University of Melbourne, has beenpublished in Light: Science & Applications .
Dr James Quach, quantum science and technologies science leader at CSIRO, led the team that engineered the prototype.
"My ultimate ambition is a future where we can charge electric cars much faster than fuel petrol cars, or charge devices over long distances wirelessly," Dr Quach said.
"Our findings confirm a fundamental quantum effect that's completely counterintuitive: quantum batteries charge faster as they get larger. Today's batteries don't function like that," he said.
"The research validates the exciting potential of quantum batteries for unprecedented efficient and rapid energy storage."
Quantum batteries leverage unique properties of quantum mechanics such as superposition and entanglement. In contrast, today's batteries largely rely on chemical reactions.
The battery the researchers engineered has a multi-layered organic microcavity and is wirelessly charged with a laser.
The team used advanced spectroscopy techniques to confirm the prototype's charging behaviour, which showed it retained stored energy for six orders of magnitude longer than it took to charge.
This research proves key predictions about these revolutionary devices and offers a glimpse into a possible future powered by quantum energy storage.
"Our proof-of-concept device showcases rapid, scalable charging and energy storage at room temperature, laying the groundwork for next-gen energy solutions," Dr Quach said.
"While there's still much work to be done in quantum battery research, we've made an important move towards realising the possibilities," he said.
"The next step for quantum batteries right now is extending their energy storage time. If we can overcome that hurdle, we'd be that bit closer to commercially viable quantum batteries."
CSIRO is seeking interest from potential development partners.
