Nuclear-Powered Diamond Batteries: A Long-Lasting Energy Solution

Here’s something really different. Nuclear-powered diamond batteries. Some people are calling them a groundbreaking technology that could potentially revolutionize long-term power storage. These innovative batteries use radioactive waste encased in synthetic diamonds to generate small amounts of electricity for extended periods, potentially lasting thousands of years.

The concept, first proposed by the University of Bristol’s Cabot Institute in 2016, has since gained traction with several companies working to bring this technology to market. One such company, NDB Inc., claims their nano-diamond battery could last up to 28,000 years. Another firm, Arkenlight, which is commercializing the University of Bristol’s research, aims to release a microbattery by the end of 2023.

The technology works by harnessing the energy from the radioactive decay of carbon-14, which has a half-life of 5,700 years. As Dr. Neil Fox from the University of Bristol explains, “Carbon-14 was chosen as a source material because it emits a short-range radiation, which is quickly absorbed by any solid material”. The diamond structure not only safely contains the radioactive material but also converts the emitted energy into electricity.

While the cost of diamonds might seem prohibitive, the use of synthetic diamonds and the potential for recycling radioactive waste could make these batteries more economically viable. As Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, states, “Diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power”.

The implications of this technology are far-reaching. These batteries could power devices in situations where regular charging or replacement is impractical, such as pacemakers, satellites, and deep-space exploration vehicles. They also offer a solution for repurposing nuclear waste, with the UK alone holding nearly 95,000 tonnes of graphite blocks that could be used as a source of carbon-14.

However, it’s important to note that these batteries generate relatively low power compared to conventional batteries. A 1g carbon-14 battery would deliver only 15 Joules per day, less than an AA battery. Therefore, their primary applications will likely be in low-power, long-life devices, not enough to power your electric car for a lifetime.

While nuclear-powered diamond batteries show great promise, they are still in the development stage. NDB plans to launch its nano-diamond batteries in 2023, and Arkenlight aims for a similar timeline. As research progresses and manufacturing techniques improve, we may see these batteries become a reality in specialized applications within the next few years, potentially transforming how we power certain devices in the long term.