Khaberni - Researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK have developed a nuclear battery made of diamond, capable of operating without the need for recharging for up to approximately 5700 years, thanks to the use of a radioactive carbon isotope.
This revolutionary technology could open new horizons in powering implanted medical devices within the body, as well as permanently and safely powering devices for exploring space far from the sun, in areas where it is difficult to deliver power or replace batteries.
Researchers confirmed that this battery represents a major step towards changing the rules of energy storage forever; making it possible to operate sensitive devices for long periods without any human intervention.
How does it work?
The battery relies on carbon-14, a radioactive component that decays very slowly; giving it a half-life of about 5730 years. Instead of its common use for dating ancient artifacts, it has been incorporated into a crystalline structure of synthetic diamond, which converts the energy of radioactive decay into a constant electric current.
Here, the diamond acts as a safe radiation shield and a semiconductor for electricity, so that the electrons resulting from decay are transformed into a small, continuous electric current.
The result is a very small power source compared to conventional batteries, but exceptionally valuable in devices that require stable, low power for long periods without maintenance.
What’s more, the battery does not emit dangerous radiation externally under normal usage conditions; making it safe for use in sensitive applications.
Key applications
Prominent applications of this technology include implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers or neural devices.
The battery can operate for decades or even centuries without replacement; which could reduce the need for frequent surgical operations to change batteries, easing the burden on patients and reducing surgical risks.
Additionally, these batteries could contribute to space exploration where the need for steady and stable power is critical, especially away from sunlight where solar panels fail.
This type of battery can power long-range exploration devices or small satellites for thousands of years without maintenance.
Additionally, they can be used in sensors installed in hard-to-reach places like the poles or the depths of the seas.
Converting waste to energy
One of the most exciting aspects of these battery designs is the use of nuclear waste as a starting point for power, whereby carbon-14 can be extracted from graphite blocks used in nuclear reactors, which are typically considered long-term waste.
After processing and enclosing it in synthetic diamond, energy can be recovered from it in a safe and regulated way; turning an environmental problem into a long-term energy resource.
Future challenges
Despite the tremendous potential, this technology is still in the prototype stage, where transitioning to commercial production requires regulatory approvals and improvements in manufacturing and scaling technologies.
Producing carbon-14 laden synthetic diamond in industrial quantities remains a logistical and technical challenge.
