American Chemical Society (ACS) reports that researchers led by Su-Il In from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology are exploring radiocarbon as a source for long-lasting, small, and safe nuclear batteries. Unlike lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which degrade over time and require frequent recharging, radiocarbon-based betavoltaic batteries could last for decades or even millennia without needing a charge. These batteries use beta particles from radiocarbon to generate electricity through a semiconductor, and recent advancements have significantly improved energy conversion efficiency. The new design could power devices like pacemakers for a lifetime, though further optimization is needed to increase performance. This development offers a promising alternative to conventional batteries, potentially reducing environmental impact and extending the lifespan of critical technologies. They write:
Sometimes cell phones die sooner than expected or electric vehicles don’t have enough charge to reach their destination. The rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries in these and other devices typically last hours or days between charging. However, with repeated use, batteries degrade and need to be recharged more frequently. Now, researchers are considering radiocarbon as a source for safe, small and affordable nuclear batteries that could last decades or longer without charging. […]
Nuclear batteries generate power by harnessing high-energy particles emitted by radioactive materials. Not all radioactive elements emit radiation that’s damaging to living organisms, and some radiation can be blocked by certain materials. For example, beta particles (also known as beta rays) can be shielded with a thin sheet of aluminum, making betavoltaics a potentially safe choice for nuclear batteries. […]
As climate concerns grow, public perception of nuclear energy is changing. But it’s still thought of as energy only produced at a large power plant in a remote location. With these dual-site-source dye-sensitized betavoltaic cell batteries, In says, “We can put safe nuclear energy into devices the size of a finger.” […]
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