CSIRO scientists develop quantum battery prototype for rapid charging

Scientists at the Australian agency CSIRO, led by Dr. James Kwok, have developed a prototype quantum battery that could fundamentally change energy storage. Unlike traditional batteries, where increased capacity typically leads to longer charging times, quantum batteries utilize collective quantum effects. In these systems, increasing the number of units can actually accelerate the charging process.

The prototype uses a multi-layered organic microbrush and receives energy wirelessly via laser pulses. A significant advancement in the latest version is the inclusion of additional layers that allow the stored energy to be converted back into electrical current, addressing a limitation in previous prototypes.

While the technology shows promise—with theoretical calculations suggesting a smartphone could eventually charge in approximately 20 seconds—the current prototype remains microscopic. It currently stores a very small amount of energy (measured in billion electron-volts) and can only retain that energy for a few nanoseconds.