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British scientists and engineers have developed the first atomic diamond battery, with a half-life of 5.700 years, promising a revolution in the way we store and use energy.
Scientists have created a groundbreaking battery that can power devices for thousands of years. Developed by UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), in partnership with the University of Bristol, the callthe carbon-14 diamond battery promises to transform the sustainable energy sector and revolutionize medical and space.
How does the carbon-14 diamond battery work?
At the heart of this innovation is carbon-14, a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 5.700 years. This means that even after millennia, the battery still retains half of its original energy.
Carbon-14 is encapsulated in diamond, the hardest material known, ensuring total safety and preventing the release of short-range radiation.
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The process of generating energy is comparable to the operation of solar panels. Instead of light, however, the battery captures high-speed electrons emitted within the diamond, converting them into electricity efficiently and continuously.
Practical applications
With their compact dimensions – around 10mm x 10mm and a thickness of just 0,5mm – diamond batteries offer impressive possibilities. Scientists highlight their potential use in medical devices such as pacemakers, hearing aids and eye implants. “They minimise the need for frequent replacements, offering a reliable and sustainable solution,” explained Sarah Clark, head of the tritium fuel cycle at UKAEA.
Furthermore, these batteries have applications in extreme environments. In space, where replacing conventional batteries is not feasible, the technology can ensure continuous power for probes, satellites and other equipment.
On Earth, resistance to adverse conditions expands its use in safety devices and other critical technologies.
Nuclear waste reduction
Another significant advantage is the positive environmental impact. The carbon-14 used in batteries is extracted from graphite blocks discarded in nuclear power plants, reducing the radioactivity of these materials.
In the UK, there are an estimated 95.000 tonnes of graphite stored in nuclear power plants. By turning this waste into batteries, scientists are not only generating clean energy, but also helping to reduce the costs and risks associated with storing radioactive waste.
Professor Tom Scott, from the University of Bristol, highlighted: “Our technology can serve applications ranging from medical to space exploration solutions. We are excited to advance our efforts with research and industrial partners in the years ahead."
This battery could mark a new era in energy sustainability, combining efficiency, durability and environmental benefits.
Shouldn't the title of the article be “British scientists and engineers create the first “nuclear” diamond battery in history — half-life of 5.700 years”, since carbon-14 is a beta-emitting radioisotope?
Thanks, I finally dreamed of this long-lasting battery technology. Congratulations to the scientists at Bristol.