Laurie Clarke

Scientists at Australia’s CSIRO have developed a working quantum battery prototype that uses superabsorption, allowing it to charge faster as more light-absorbing molecules are added. The prototype operates at room temperature and can extract an electrical current, but currently stores only a tiny amount of energy for nanoseconds. Researchers are exploring hybrid designs and networks of microscopic batteries to improve storage and scalability. Quantum batteries may first benefit quantum computers, while their use in phones or electric vehicles remains highly uncertain because quantum effects are fragile and energy extraction is difficult. Experts agree that controlling and using the stored energy is the major unresolved challenge.