Nuclear battery that could last for 100 years created in China using radioactive carbon

 

the details of these nuclear batteries, particularly focusing on the advancements  Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

Core Technology:

 * Radioactive Decay:

   * The fundamental principle is harnessing the energy released during the radioactive decay of carbon-14 (C-14).

   * C-14 undergoes beta decay, emitting electrons.

       

 * Diamond Structure:

   * The C-14 is integrated into a diamond-like carbon structure.

   * The diamond acts as both a semiconductor and a radiation shield.

   * This design allows for the capture of the emitted electrons and their conversion into an electrical current.

 * Betavoltaic Cells:

   * These batteries are a type of betavoltaic cell, which directly converts beta radiation into electricity.

Key Features and Advantages:

 * Extremely Long Lifespan:

   * Due to the long half-life of C-14 (approximately 5,730 years), these batteries have the potential to provide power for decades or even centuries.

         

* Safety:

   * The diamond casing plays a crucial role in containing the radiation, minimizing the risk of exposure.

   * The emitted beta radiation is relatively low-energy and can be effectively absorbed by the diamond.

 * Applications:

   * Medical implants (pacemakers, hearing aids, etc.)

   * Space exploration (long-duration missions)

   * Deep-sea exploration (sensors, autonomous vehicles)

   * Remote sensors (environmental monitoring)

   * Internet of Things devices.

 * China's "Zhulong" Battery:

   * China has announced significant progress with its "Zhulong" nuclear battery.

   * This battery utilizes C-14 and is designed to be highly miniaturized.

   * Reports indicate that the Chinese research teams are working on silicon-carbide semiconductor based versions.

       

   * They are also claiming an energy density 10 times higher than commercial lithium-ion batteries.

   * This battery is being designed to withstand extreme temperatures.

Important Considerations:

 * Power Output:

   * These batteries typically produce low levels of power, making them suitable for small, low-power devices.

 * Nuclear Waste Utilization:

   * A significant aspect of this technology is the potential to repurpose C-14 extracted from nuclear waste, contributing to waste reduction.

In summary, the development of C-14 nuclear batteries represents a promising advancement in long-lasting, reliable power sources, with China playing a leading role in this field.