China’s Betavolt New Energy Technology company is making headlines with its claim to have developed a groundbreaking nuclear battery, touted as capable of powering a cell phone for an astonishing 50 years without needing a recharge. This innovative battery employs a unique combination of the radioactive isotope nickel-63 (⁶³Ni) and a 4th-generation diamond semiconductor, heralding a significant leap in battery technology.
As per New Atlas, the BV100 battery from Betavolt uses two single-crystal diamond semiconductor layers, each 10 microns thick, enveloping a 2-micron layer of ⁶³Ni. This layered structure not only generates current individually but can also be stacked or linked like traditional voltaic cells, forming numerous independent unit modules. These modules collaborate to amplify the current, offering a robust and long-lasting power source.
TechRadar highlights the battery’s compact design, measuring just 15 x 15 x 5mm, making it smaller than a coin. Despite its diminutive size, it produces 100 microwatts and 3V of electricity through radioactive decay. Currently in the pilot testing phase, Betavolt envisages mass production for commercial use in devices like phones, drones, and potentially in aerospace equipment, AI, medical devices, advanced sensors, and micro-robots. Drawing inspiration from pacemakers and satellites, Betavolt aims to revolutionize how we think about battery power.
By 2025, Betavolt plans to escalate its innovation by producing a 1-watt battery. This advancement could significantly impact industries, particularly in the realm of drones, by potentially enabling them to fly indefinitely.
The safety features of the BV100 are noteworthy. Betavolt claims that unlike some current batteries that pose safety risks when damaged or exposed to high temperatures, the BV100 will not catch fire or explode, even under extreme conditions like punctures or gunshots.
The technology behind the BV100 involves converting the decay energy of the radioactive nickel-63 into electrical current using diamond semiconductors. This method not only ensures efficiency but also safety, as Betavolt assures that the battery poses no external radiation risk and is suitable for sensitive applications like medical devices implanted in the human body.
Furthermore, the environmental impact of this atomic energy battery is minimal. After its decay period, nickel-63 transforms into a stable, non-radioactive copper isotope, eliminating any environmental threat or pollution. This innovative approach could pave the way for a new era of sustainable and long-lasting power sources, reshaping how we think about and use energy in various applications.
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