Australian researchers have taken an important step forward in energy storage, successfully developing and testing what is believed to be the world's first proof-of-concept quantum battery.
Scientists say this emerging technology could reshape how energy is stored and delivered, potentially enabling devices to charge at dramatically faster speeds.
The project was led by CSIRO in partnership with the University of Melbourne and RMIT, with findings published in Nature Light: Science & Applications. Key contributors included University of Melbourne researchers Associate Professor James Hutchison and Professor Trevor Smith.
"Similar to conventional batteries, quantum batteries charge, store and discharge energy. But while everyday batteries rely on chemical reactions, quantum batteries leverage properties of quantum mechanics," Associate Professor Hutchison said.
"The advantage of quantum is that the system absorbs light in a single, giant 'super absorption' event and this charges the battery faster."
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