Microengines:the batteries of the future

Minute engines only a few millimetres wide that could replace a standard battery have been developed by engineers at Birmingham University.

The research team for the school of engineering are the first to manufacture the engines in a durable, heat resistant material like ceramic or silicon carbide.

The micro-engines have over 300 times more energy than an ordinary battery and are much lighter and smaller.

The devices could also be used to charge mobile phones or lap top computers in a matter of seconds.