Researchers have developed a groundbreaking battery with the potential to power devices for thousands of years.
Created by scientists from the University of Bristol and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), this battery utilizes the decay of carbon-14, a radioactive isotope commonly used for dating organic artifacts.
How it Works
Carbon-14 naturally decays over time, releasing energy as it transforms into more stable elements. The diamond battery captures this energy to generate a constant low-level power, similar to how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity.
With a half-life of 5,730 years, carbon-14 takes over 5,000 years to reach 50 percent of its power. Encased in a synthetic diamond layer, the carbon-14 emits electrons during decay, which the diamond converts into electricity while containing any hazardous radiation.
Potential Applications
A single diamond battery containing 1 gram of carbon-14 can produce approximately 15 joules of energy per day, making it ideal for long-lasting applications such as medical devices and small satellites.
Researchers envision using these batteries in medical devices like pacemakers, hearing aids, and ocular implants to reduce the need for frequent replacements. The battery’s durability also makes it suitable for extreme environments like deep-sea exploration and space missions, where traditional batteries may not last.
A Solution to Nuclear Waste
In addition to its energy applications, diamond batteries could help repurpose nuclear waste, specifically carbon-14 produced in graphite blocks of nuclear reactors. By encapsulating this waste in diamonds, researchers aim to create a sustainable source of clean energy.
