Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
2 min of reading 
0 comments 
Researchers from the University of Bristol, in partnership with the UK Atomic Energy Authority, have presented an innovation that could transform the world of energy: a new battery that lasts more than 5,000 years. The secret of this technology lies in the use of radioactive carbon in diamond, creating a practically infinite and extremely safe source of energy.
The new battery uses carbon-14, a radioactive isotope famous for its half-life of 5,700 years, widely used in archaeological dating. During its beta decay process, carbon-14 releases a small but constant amount of electrons, generating energy. To ensure safety and efficiency, the researchers encapsulated the material in artificial diamonds, created by a specialized plasma process. This protection ensures that the battery is sustainable and suitable for a range of long-lasting applications.
Promising And Practical Applications
Thanks to the use of radioactive carbon in diamond, the new battery is ideal for scenarios where battery replacements would be impractical or impossible. Here are some of the possible applications:
Medical Implants: devices like pacemakers and hearing aids could function for decades without needing replacement, eliminating frequent surgeries.
-
Scientists have finally discovered where the plastic that disappeared from the oceans went, and the answer is frightening: it fragmented into such tiny particles that they became invisible and now there are 27 million tons of nanoplastic just in the North Atlantic.
-
The Artemis II mission will take the Orion capsule back to the vicinity of the Moon with four astronauts, a private bathroom with a curtain, a system adapted for men and women, and a level of comfort that highlights how the Apollo era operated at the rawest limits of space exploration.
-
Giant structures on the seabed precisely control oil and reveal how high-tech underwater valves work.
-
China has just tested a giant drone the size of a fighter jet with a wingspan of 25 meters that carries 6 tons, flies for 12 hours, and the most frightening part: it can launch entire swarms of smaller drones directly from the air.
Space and Underwater Exploration: space probes, sensors in deep waters, and other equipment could operate for centuries, even in extreme conditions.
Tracking and Monitoring: tags on satellites and space debris will remain active for decades, revolutionizing monitoring systems.
According to Sarah Clark from the UKAEA, “diamond batteries offer a safe and sustainable way to provide continuous levels of microwatts of power,” highlighting the versatility and safety of radioactive carbon in diamond.
A Promising Future For The New Battery
Although the commercial viability of the new battery still needs to be explored, researchers believe it could be a game-changer in various industries, from medical technology to space exploration. Professor Tom Scott from the University of Bristol states that the team is eager to work with industry partners to expand the possibilities of this technology.
This innovation not only redefines the concept of durable batteries but also signals a revolution in energy storage. With the use of radioactive carbon in diamond, humanity is taking an important step towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
Seja o primeiro a reagir!