Context:
Scientists and engineers from the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Bristol have created the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery (Nuclear Battery).
More In News:
- The battery uses a radioactive isotope (carbon-14) embedded in a diamond to generate electricity.
- It harvests energy from fast-moving electrons excited by radiation, similar to how solar panels work.
- No moving parts are required, unlike traditional magnets or coils batteries.
- Carbon-14 emits short-range radiation, absorbed by the diamond, making it safe. Diamond prevents harmful radiation from escaping.
- The carbon-14 has a half-life of 5,730 years, meaning the battery will last for thousands of years with minimal power loss.
- It produces a small amount of energy (15 joules/day) but lasts extremely long.
- The battery is safe and has no carbon emissions.
Uses:
- It can be used in electronics, medical devices (e.g., pacemakers), space travel, and devices in hazardous environments like oil rigs.
- Diamond batteries can also be used in extreme environments (space and on Earth) where replacing conventional batteries is impractical.
- They have been able to power radio frequency (RF) tags to identify and track devices, such as spacecraft or payloads, for decades.