Scientists at the UK Atomic Energy Authority and Bristol University have created what they say is the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery, which has the potential to power devices for thousands of years.
The battery is based on the radioactive isotope carbon-14. It uses its radioactive decay – it has a half-life of 5,700 years – to generate low levels of power. According to the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) “it functions similarly to solar panels, which convert light into electricity, but instead of using light particles (photons), they capture fast-moving electrons from within the diamond structure”.
Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, said: “Diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power. They are an emerging technology that use a manufactured diamond to safely encase small amounts of carbon-14.”
The team from the two organisations worked on the project at the UKAEA’s Culham campus, with the development seen as a spin-off from the work which has been taking place on fusion energy there.
Potential applications for the batteries include use in hostile environments where it is not possible to replace batteries – such as to power a radio frequency tag in space over a period of many decades. Other uses could be in medical pacemakers and in future in everyday electronic devices or watches.
Tom Scott, Professor in Materials at the University of Bristol, said: “Our micropower technology can support a whole range of important applications from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants. We’re excited to be able to explore all of these possibilities, working with partners in industry and research, over the next few years. We want to use this technology for advancing the human race.
“The decade ahead is about upscaling production and improving power performance. This is really exciting at this point. This is where we think people are going to say ‘this is absolutely game-changing.”