Scientists have succeeded in producing a diamond battery that could provide a long-term energy source for medical devices, space technology and more, thanks to the radioactive decay of carbon-14. A team of scientists and engineers from the University of Bristol, in collaboration with the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), has developed the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery.
This ground-breaking discovery is a potential breakthrough in energy storage, as the device can generate continuous electricity for several years without the need for recharging. According to the University of Bristol, the battery works by harnessing the radioactive decay of carbon-14, an isotope used to date archaeological materials, to create a reliable and long-lasting energy source.
The development of this battery responds to the growing need for sustainable and long-term energy solutions. Unlike conventional batteries, which require frequent recharging and face degradation problems over time, a carbon-14 diamond battery could provide an uninterrupted source of energy for up to 5,700 years, making it a viable alternative in applications where battery replacement is difficult or impossible.
How the battery works
A battery works in a similar way to a solar cell, but instead of converting light into electricity, it uses the fast-moving electrons produced by the radioactive decay of carbon-14 to generate electricity. According to Popular Mechanics, this process occurs naturally and continuously, so that it will be a continuous source of electricity for thousands of years.
The radioactive material used in the battery is encapsulated in a diamond structure, which is one of the hardest materials known, so that the radiation is completely contained and poses no danger to users or the environment. In addition to acting as a protective barrier, the diamond casing also helps to optimise energy conversion. According to the University of Bristol, this new technology is a safe and sustainable choice for a wide range of technological applications.
How a carbon-14 battery reuses radioactive materials
One of the most remarkable features of this new battery is its ability to reuse nuclear waste and turn it into a useful energy source. According to Glass Almanac, the carbon-14 used in these batteries comes from discarded graphite blocks, whichare by-products of nuclear reactors. Instead of discarding these materials as radioactive waste, the diamond battery reuses them to generate efficient electricity.
This approach not only provides an extremely long-lasting source of energy, but also helps to reduce nuclear emissions and mitigate their environmental impact. The reuse of these materials is clearly an important step towards cleaner and more sustainable energy technologies.
From pacemakers to long-term space missions
The potential of this new technology spans many sectors. According to theDaily Galaxy, the carbon-14 diamond battery could be used in medical devices such as pacemakers, hearing aids and other implants, where its longevity would reduce the need for battery replacement surgeries and improve the quality of life of patients.
In aerospace, this technology could revolutionise space exploration missions. The longevity of the battery could allow satellites and space probes to operate for centuries without the need for maintenance or recharging, thus removing one of the biggest technological challenges in long-term missions. According to the University of Bristol, the battery’s ability to provide a reliable source of power also makes it ideal for use in extreme conditions, such as deep-ocean observation stations or remote, hard-to-reach areas.
However, its current applications have limitations. Because the battery generates microwatt-level energy, it is not suitable for power-hungry devices such as electric cars or mobile phones, writes Popular Mechanics. Nevertheless, the researchers believe that it will eventually be possible to develop improved versions with higher power.
Finally, Professor Tom Scott of the University of Bristol, who led the project, expressed his enthusiasm for future applications of the technology:
“Our micro-energy technology has the potential to be used in a wide range of important applications, from space technology and security devices to medical implants. We are excited to explore all these possibilities in the coming years in collaboration with industry and research partners.
