A quantum battery prototype has been built that can allegedly recharge itself with light alone. It is an organic battery as well. The battery prototype was built by CSIRO, RMIT and the University of Melbourne.
The CSIRO, RMIT and the University of Melbourne have successfully built a quantum battery prototype from theory into practice, meaning both energy and physics sciences have now made this transition to energy technology. Whereas traditional electrochemical cells rely on chemical reactions for their energy storage, this organic battery uses principles of quantum mechanics, specifically superposition and light-matter interactions, for the same purpose.
Superextensive charging (when a battery can charge faster as it increases in size) is one of the key characteristics that define this development; therefore, the quantum battery will, in turn, overcome the degradation factor typically seen in conventional batteries as they increase in size.
This room temperature prototype will potentially allow near-instantaneous charging and long-distance wireless power transfer using lasers.
