The diamond cell collects fast-moving electrons excited by radiation, just as solar energy uses photovoltaic cells to convert photons into electricity.
The world’s first nuclear battery, which uses a radioactive isotope embedded in a diamond, could power small devices for thousands of years.
A new study published by the University of Bristol revealed that world’s first nuclear diamond battery it could power devices for thousands of years.
In a statement released on December 4, scientists explained the mechanics of this nuclear battery, which uses the reaction of a diamond placed near a radioactive source to spontaneously produce electricity.
As explained by , unlike conventional energy sources, this battery does not need any movement – neither linear nor rotational. This means that no energy required to move a magnet through a coil or to rotate an armature within a magnetic field to produce electric current.
Instead, this battery collects fast-moving electrons excited by radiation, similar to solar energy that uses photovoltaic cells to convert photons into electricity – explain the researchers.
Carbon-14 is the key element
Scientists first demonstrated a prototype diamond battery – which used nickel-63 as a radioactive source – in 2017. Now, they have developed a battery made from radioactive isotopes of carbon-14 incorporated into manufactured diamonds.
The researchers chose carbon-14 as the source material as it emits short-range radiation that is quickly absorbed by any solid material, meaning that there are no concerns about radiation damage.
Although the proximity of carbon-14 is potentially dangerous, the diamond that contains it prevents the escape of any short-range radiation.
“Diamond is the hardest substance known to man; there is literally nothing we can use that can offer more protection,” explained the research leader, Neil Foxnot communicated.
Incredibly efficient
The new study revealed that a single nuclear diamond cell containing 0.04 ounces (1 gram) of carbon-14 could provide 15 joules of electricity per day.
For comparison, a normal AA alkaline batterywhich weighs about 20 grams, has an energy storage capacity of 700 joules per gram.
However, despite providing more energy than the nuclear diamond cell in the short term, would sell out in 24 hours.
In contrast, the half-life of carbon-14 is 5,730 yearswhich means the battery it would take that long to deplete 50% of the energy.
As another point of comparison used by Live Science, a spacecraft powered by a carbon-14 diamond battery would reach Alpha Centauri – our closest stellar neighbor, which is about 4.4 light-years from Earth – very before your energy is significantly depleted.
Practical applications
According to scientists, the battery could have several applications, including X-ray machines and medical devices that need to operate for a long time but require little energy, such as pacemakers.
It would also be a useful technology for machines that operate in difficult and dangerous environments, such as oil and gas machines under the sea.
The battery could also be small enough to power radio frequency tags to identify and locate devices and payloads on Earth or in space.
