A group of researchers has developed a new battery that promises to last for centuries generating energy.
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), in collaboration with the University of Bristol, has manufactured the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery.
Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon with a half-life of 5,700 years, which means that this battery will continue to hold a good portion of its charge for thousands of years.
Potential applications of the battery that can last for centuries
Scientists claim that this discovery could be used in medical devices, such as ocular implants, hearing aids, and pacemakers, reducing the need for replacements.
According to Sarah Clark, director of the tritium fuel cycle at UKAEA, “it is a safe and sustainable way to provide continuous energy.” Additionally, these batteries could be used in extreme environments, both on Earth and in space, and could be a safe way to deal with nuclear waste.
How the diamond battery works
The battery uses carbon-14, which emits short-range radiation that is quickly absorbed by any solid material.
It works similarly to solar panels, but captures electrons moving rapidly from inside the diamond structure. The diamond, being the hardest known substance, securely encloses small amounts of carbon-14.
Diamond properties
Diamonds are incredibly hard, have a unique ability to refract and disperse light, and offer one of the highest thermal conductivities of any known material.
Another team of researchers has designed a diamond optical disc that can store a large amount of data for millions of years.
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