Revolutionary Quantum Battery Could Revolutionize Electric Car Charging
Electric cars have been criticized for their relatively long charging times, but a new quantum battery based on superabsorption could change that. Researchers at the University of Adelaide have presented the proof-of-concept for a quantum battery that utilizes the ability of molecules to absorb light, known as superabsorption. This quantum mechanical principle has until now only been theoretically possible. The researchers explain that the basic idea of superabsorption is that larger batteries can absorb light more quickly. A combination of molecules can therefore absorb light more efficiently than each molecule individually. This means that larger batteries would charge faster.
The proof-of-concept quantum battery uses the dye Lumogen-F Orange as an active layer with light-absorbing molecules. The active layer is embedded between two mirrors in a microcavity. These mirrors are made of dielectric materials such as niobium pentoxide and silicon dioxide, which create a distributed Bragg reflector that holds the light in the cavity for as long as possible. The superabsorption that occurs has been demonstrated by the researchers. The charging time of the battery increases with the size of the cavity containing the molecules, proving that increased light absorption is possible in practice.
The researchers now plan to develop the concept in larger models. They believe that their development could form the basis for the practical use of quantum batteries. To develop faster charging electric cars, the researchers will investigate whether other methods of energy storage and transmission exist in quantum batteries. This breakthrough could revolutionize the electric car industry and make electric cars more accessible to the general public.
