British scientists have developed a groundbreaking diamond battery that could last for thousands of years, offering new solutions for powering medical devices, space missions, and more. This innovative technology comes from experts at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Bristol.
Working mechanism of the battery
The battery uses carbon-14, a radioactive form of carbon, securely sealed inside a man-made diamond structure. As carbon-14 breaks down, it emits particles called electrons. The diamond captures these electrons and converts them into electricity through a process known as the betavoltaic effect. This design ensures a steady and reliable source of power.
The battery’s unique design safely contains the radioactive carbon-14 within the diamond, preventing harmful radiation from escaping and protecting both humans and the environment.
Size of the battery
Measuring just 10 millimeters wide and 0.5 millimeters thick, the battery is similar in size to a conventional wristwatch battery. Despite its small size, it offers remarkable durability. Because carbon-14 has a half-life of 5,730 years, the battery can provide power for thousands of years without needing a replacement.
Sarah Clark, Director of the Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, praised the technology’s potential. She said, “Diamond batteries provide a safe and sustainable way to provide continuous power levels in the microwatt range.”
🚨THE WORLD’S FIRST CARBON-14 DIAMOND BATTERY: OFFERING 5,000 YEARS OF POWER
Scientists in the UK have unveiled a groundbreaking carbon-14 diamond battery, promising up to 5,000 years of uninterrupted power.
Using the radioactive decay of carbon-14—famous for dating ancient… pic.twitter.com/Lczenw2nSR
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 6, 2024
Carbon-14 radiation emission
Neil Fox from the University of Bristol’s School of Chemistry explained why carbon-14 was chosen. “Carbon-14 was chosen as the starting material because it emits short-range radiation, which is quickly absorbed by any solid material,” he said.
“This would make it dangerous to ingest or touch with bare skin, but if kept safely inside the diamond, no short-range radiation can escape.” This makes the battery safe to use in everyday devices.
Potential use cases for the diamond battery
The battery could revolutionize medical technology, especially for pacemakers and hearing aids. Since the battery does not need to be replaced, patients could avoid surgeries to change batteries, simplifying their lives and reducing medical risks.
Professor Tom Scott from the University of Bristol highlighted other potential uses. He noted the battery’s value for space missions, security systems, and deep-sea exploration. In these environments, replacing batteries is difficult or impossible.
The diamond battery’s ability to function for extended periods without maintenance makes it a practical solution. “We are excited to explore all these possibilities, collaborating with partners in industry and research in the coming years,” Scott said.
The new technology also offers a way to manage nuclear waste. The carbon-14 used in the battery is extracted from old graphite blocks, a waste product from nuclear power stations. By removing carbon-14, the radioactivity of the remaining waste decreases, making it safer and cheaper to store.
Transformation of the battery industry
Fatimah Sannie, a senior process engineer at UKAEA, believes this invention could transform the battery industry. “We can use it in small satellites, in computer chips, and remote control wrist watches,” she said.
Research is ongoing to improve the battery’s power output and expand its production. Scientists hope this long-lasting, low-maintenance power source will become widely available in the coming years, offering a cleaner, safer, and more reliable energy solution for future technologies.