Researchers at Australia’s CSIRO, in collaboration with RMIT University and University of Melbourne, say that they have developed the world’s first proof-of-concept quantum battery, which could pave the way for super-fast charging of electric vehicles.
Publishing their work in the journal Light: Science and Applications, the researchers says that the development represents a “significant leap forward in energy storage technology.” While fully functioning quantum batteries are not currently a reality Dr James Quach, quantum science and technologies science leader at CSIRO said that: “The research validates the exciting potential of quantum batteries for unprecedented efficient and rapid energy storage.”
Existing batteries largely rely on chemical reactions, and typically the bigger they are the longer they take to charge. Quantum batteries leverage the unique properties of quantum mechanics such as superposition and entanglement. These properties allow the storage units of a quantum battery to behave collectively. This means that units charge more quickly together than if they were charging alone. Therefore, the bigger the quantum battery the less time it takes to charge, the research team explains.
The researchers engineered a battery with a multi-layered organic microcavity, which is wirelessly charged with a laser. The team was then able to confirm the battery’s charging behaviour using advanced spectroscopy techniques, which showed that it retained stored energy six orders of magnitude longer than it took to charge.
“Our proof-of-concept device showcases rapid scalable charging and energy storage at room temperature, laying the groundwork for next generation solutions,” said Quach.
The capacity of quantum batteries is still tiny (a few billion electron-volts), and the time they hold their charge is fleetingly short (a few nanoseconds) to make them an option for charging devices for the time being, but they might have application in powering quantum computers.
“While there is still much work to be done in quantum battery research, we’ve made an important move towards realising the possibilities. 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,” Quach said.
Further reading:
- Battery breakthrough could help EVs go further
- Growth in batteries is strong - but global supply chains must diversify to mitigate risk says IEA
- Battery energy storage system project kicks off £1 billion investment by Masdar
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