Scientists at the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority have created a groundbreaking diamond battery fueled by radiation power that can generate electricity for an astonishing 5,700 years. Inside the diamond is a radioactive isotope, carbon-14, which decays and emits energy in the form of radiation. This energy is then captured by the diamond, the hardest material on Earth. The battery operates similarly to solar panels, but instead of converting sunlight into electricity, it uses fast-moving electrons from radioactive decay.
Carbon-14, with a half-life of 5,700 years, allows the diamond battery to generate low levels of power for an extended period of time. According to Sarah Clark, director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, diamond batteries offer a safe and sustainable solution to providing continuous microwatt levels of power. The technology uses manufactured diamonds to encase small amounts of carbon-14. While the concept of never having to recharge your phone or laptop is appealing, the applications for this new technology extend beyond consumer electronics.
Professor Tom Scott, a materials scientist at the University of Bristol, suggests that diamond batteries could be used to power space technology, security devices, and medical implants. In environments where it is not practical to replace conventional batteries, such as space, diamond batteries could prove to be invaluable. For example, they could power active radio frequency tags used to identify and track spacecraft for decades at a time. Additionally, bio-compatible diamond batteries could be utilized in ocular implants, hearing aids, and pacemakers to reduce the need for replacements.
The potential for the diamond battery technology is vast, with applications in various industries and sectors. By harnessing the power of carbon-14 and utilizing the unique properties of diamonds, scientists have created an innovative energy source that could revolutionize how we think about power generation and storage. Working with partners in industry and research, the team is excited to explore the full range of possibilities for this technology in the coming years. With the ability to generate electricity for thousands of years, the diamond battery represents a significant advancement in sustainable and long-lasting energy solutions.
Overall, the development of the carbon-14 diamond battery represents a major breakthrough in the field of energy technology. By leveraging the properties of carbon-14 and diamonds, scientists have created a power source that is not only long-lasting but also sustainable and safe. The potential applications for this technology are wide-ranging, from powering space missions to medical implants. With further research and development, diamond batteries could become a key component in the transition to more efficient and environmentally friendly energy sources.
