Energy storage in the future is no longer a thing of dreams and fantasies, but it is already in the making, and it is not the shape or form of conventional batteries. Like most nuclear technology, a new development – radioactive diamond batteries that can last for a staggering 28 millennia has come to light.
What makes diamond nuclear batteries stand out? Here’s how they work
These next-generation power sources could radically change everything from the handheld devices we use daily to remote sensors located in the most hostile parts of the environment, offering long-life, clean power that outperforms conventional chemical-based batteries.
Diamond Nuclear batteries work on the energy generated from the decay of radioactive isotopes. These batteries engender electric power in the course of emanating beta particles when radioactive elements disintegrate. The diamond is the main component of the key and is a semiconductor.
Unlike chemical batteries that produce energy by burning chemicals, diamond nuclear batteries supply power systematically for about 25000 years, which makes them suitable for applications that require long-lasting and reliable power. Perhaps utilizing diamonds for energy generation can be seen only in sci-fi movies today. Still, it has been under development for more than ten years, and we have started seeing the fruits of this research.
The scientific process behind the diamond nuclear battery explained
The mechanism on which these diamond batteries rely is primary yet highly efficient. The essence of the work is the use of radioactive isotopes such as carbon-14 or nickel-63 incorporated into the diamond-like carbons. When the isotope undergoes radioactive decay, it discharges what are commonly known as beta particles, high-energy electrons.
These particles get in touch with the diamond structure and produce an electric current. The practical characteristics of the diamond, namely, the strength of the material and its ability to transfer heat, guarantee that the generated energy will remain constant. What distinguishes these batteries is their potential to deliver a minor current for a very long time, significantly outperforming chemical batteries.
The most exciting application for diamond nuclear batteries is where conventional battery swapping is inconvenient or impossible. Consider the applications in space exploration; here, batteries are to last for years, or even a decade, without an opportunity to recharge or sensors deployed in extreme conditions like volcanoes or nuclear power stations.
These small but powerful batteries can deliver a reliable power supply to devices without requiring maintenance or replacement. Because of their long lifespan, Li-ion batteries are suitable for applications such as pacemakers; battery failure cannot be allowed. In other words, diamond batteries are an excellent “plug and play” solution to energy demands under extreme conditions.
Are diamond nuclear batteries safe? Here’s why they are
Diamond nuclear batteries are pretty safe even though they contain radioactive parts. The beta particles from the radioactive isotopes can be stopped by a few millimeters of material, even the material of the battery case. This makes the chances of radiation exposure shallow, as low as exposure to the radioactivity from such things as exit signs that contain small amounts of radioactive material.
Furthermore, once the batteries are depleted, they stabilize into non-hazardous material. Thus, they do not pose a long-term nuclear hazard. Hence, batteries could be a safer and more sustainable solution for energy storage than conventional energy storage methods for long-term power storage needs.
Could diamond nuclear batteries be the future of battery technology?
Diamond nuclear batteries are not a replacement for conventional power supplies, such as those used in smartphones or laptops, but their potential in targeted applications is enormous. Firms such as Arkenlight and Betavolt are the chief innovators of these batteries, with products like the BV100 already in production. They could soon be used to power everything from pacemakers to remote sensors and even drones, delivering a new type of ‘long-life’ energy source for devices that need to keep going for months or even years.
Technological advancement means that diamond nuclear batteries are expected to form part of the energy system in the future. The fact that such batteries can function for thousands of years without recharging could alter how we look at power, providing a green, renewable solution ideally suited to our ever more complex, technology-dependent lives.
