Miniature Nuclear Battery

Context: 

Betavolt, a Chinese startup, has announced that it has developed a revolutionary battery capable of powering smartphones for 50 years without requiring recharging.

China Develops Coin-Sized Nuclear Battery

• Mechanism: The battery is a miniaturized atomic energy system, which utilizes Nickel-63 nuclear isotopes compactly arranged within a module smaller than a coin.
  • It generates electricity by converting the energy released from decaying isotopes into electricity.

Coin-Sized Nuclear Battery

• Utility: These atomic energy batteries can provide enduring power in aerospace, AI equipment, medical devices, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots.
  • It has the potential to revolutionize electronics by eliminating the need for chargers or portable power banks. 
• Capacity: The initial nuclear battery developed by Betavolt delivers 100 microwatts of power and has a voltage of 3V, while measuring a tiny 15x15x5 cubic millimeters.  
• Construction: 
  • It has a layered structure that prevents the battery from catching fire or exploding when subjected to sudden force. 
  • The battery can operate in a wide temperature range, from -60 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius.
  • It uses 10 microns thick diamond semiconductors to convert the decay energy into electrical current. 
• Safety: The startup claims that it is suitable for use in medical devices inside the human body, like pacemakers and cochlear implants. 
• Environmental Threat: After the decay period, the 63 isotopes transform into a stable, non-radioactive isotope of copper, posing no environmental threat or pollution.

News Source: Economic Times

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