07:33:35 pm 12/30/2024
Viewed: 5106
Scientists Develop a Battery That Can Produce Electricity For Over 5700 Years
Researchers at the University of Bristol first showcased the concept of a carbon-14 diamond battery in 2016, explaining that it harnesses the beta decay of radioactive carbon-14 to generate a steady—though relatively low—power output (University of Bristol, 2016). Carbon-14 has a half-life of about 5,730 years, which translates to a battery lifespan in the millennia range (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2019).
Researchers at the University of Bristol first showcased the concept of a carbon-14 diamond battery in 2016, explaining that it harnesses the beta decay of radioactive carbon-14 to generate a steady—though relatively low—power output (University of Bristol, 2016). Carbon-14 has a half-life of about 5,730 years, which translates to a battery lifespan in the millennia range (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2019).
Because of the modest continuous power it supplies, the diamond battery is most attractive for use in small electronic applications where replacing or recharging conventional batteries is impractical or dangerous. Examples include:
Implantable Medical Devices
Pacemakers and other implants often require reliable, long-term power with minimal replacement surgeries (Andrews, 2018).
Remote Monitoring
Sensors or devices in inaccessible environments—such as in arctic research stations, ocean buoys, or outer space probes—benefit from a continuous low-level power source (University of Bristol, 2016).
Deep-Space Missions
Although radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) remain standard for larger outputs, diamond batteries are considered a lightweight alternative for powering smaller components in spacecraft and satellites (Andrews, 2018).
At this stage, commercial availability remains limited. However, ongoing research seeks to optimize power density and integrate the technology into specialized systems and devices (University of Bristol, 2016).
References
Andrews, D. (2018). Diamond-based nuclear batteries: The future of low-power electronics. Progress in Nuclear Energy.
University of Bristol. (2016). Press Release: 'Diamond-age' of power generation as nuclear batteries developed. Retrieved from www.bristol.ac.uk
National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2019). Physical Reference Data.
0
No video exists.
0
Comments