The magic of this battery is based on carbon-14, a radioactive isotope well known to archaeologists for dating (carbon dating, therefore). Here, it is used differently: as it disintegrates, carbon-14 emits particles which generate electricity. Don’t panic, these radiations are fully absorbed by a diamond casing, making the battery completely safe.
A solution to nuclear waste
« It’s like a mini solar panel, but captures fast electrons from radioactive decay instead of light “, explains the team from the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). The result? A reliable source of energy, whose lifespan is beyond belief. With a half-life of 5,700 years, carbon-14 loses only half of its effectiveness after several millennia.
One of the main advantages of this battery is its versatility. Its compact size and longevity make it an ideal candidate for powering medical devices such as pacemakers, hearing aids or even eye implants. These devices, which usually require regular replacement, could operate for decades without intervention, reducing risks to patients.
In space, this technology could be a godsend. Current batteries limit the duration of space missions and increase costs. With a diamond battery, satellites and probes could operate for decades or more.
But that’s not all. The carbon-14 used in these batteries is extracted from blocks of graphite, a byproduct of nuclear reactors. In the UK alone, almost 95,000 tonnes of these blocks are waiting to be recycled.
Rather than storing them, a costly and complex task, researchers propose giving them a new life. Using a technique called plasma deposition, they turn carbon-14 into diamond, reducing radioactive waste while creating a valuable energy source. To top it all off, these batteries can be safely recycled at the end of their life. “ No risks, no waste », Say the researchers.
If the technology keeps its promises – and that remains a big “if” – it could transform entire sectors, from medical to space, while providing a valid response to the problem of nuclear waste. Researchers now want to work with industry to explore the possibilities of this battery.
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