What seemed like science fiction is now a reality. The Chinese company Betavolt announced that it has started mass production of the first pocket nuclear battery, the BV100, which promises a lifespan of up to 50 years without the need for recharging. It is expected to be available for sale in the coming months.
The BV100 battery operates thanks to a radioactive isotope of nickel, Nickel-63, interspersed between layers of artificial diamond, which act as semiconductors. As the isotope decays, it emits particles that are converted into electricity. This technology is not new, but this is the first time it is presented in such a compact format and with the potential for mass commercialization.
The BV100 offers a power of 100 micro-watts at 3 volts, enough to power small sensors or low-consumption devices. Although it cannot be used in cell phones or smartwatches for now, Betavolt is working on a more powerful 1-watt version, expected by the end of this year.
Thanks to its modular design, several batteries can be connected in series or parallel to increase the available energy, opening up possibilities in sectors such as medicine, aerospace, defense, or the Internet of Things.
Is it Danger or Controlled Innovation?
The biggest question, however, is safety. Although Nickel-63 is of low radioactivity, it remains a dangerous material. The battery’s own packaging clearly warns: “Do not dismantle the battery”. The good news is that after 50 years, the isotope becomes stable nickel and no longer poses a risk.
These types of batteries are also being developed in the United States and Europe, although Betavolt’s initiative marks a before and after in commercial access to this technology.
With potential applications ranging from sensors in extreme environments to implantable medical devices, nuclear batteries could revolutionize long-term energy supply. However, their massive use raises regulatory, environmental, and ethical challenges that have yet to be addressed.
What are its possible applications?
These batteries use a radioactive isotope of nickel that, when decomposing, generates electricity. They also have a 10 times greater energy storage capacity than a conventional lithium battery, and operate stably over a wide range of temperatures, from -60º to 120ºC.
Thus, they become a safe energy source, as they have no external radiation, ensuring that they will not catch fire or explode. One of their most remarkable advantages is their environmental friendliness, as the nickel-63 isotope turns into a stable copper isotope, which is not radioactive.
This innovative battery can be applied to vehicles, cell phones, drones, pacemakers, cochlear implants for the deaf, artificial intelligence equipment, microprocessors, and advanced sensors.
The BV100 could be a reliable and long-lasting energy source for applications in extreme environments, such as deep mining operations or space missions.
Source: El Diario de La Pampa.
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