Scientists create a battery with the potential to last millennia, advancing sustainable energy solutions for medical, industrial, and space applications.
In an innovative development, researchers at the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) introduced the first-ever carbon-14 diamond battery. This innovative power source, capable of functioning for thousands of years, could transform energy use in challenging environments and medical technology.
The battery harnesses carbon-14, a radioactive isotope widely known for its role in radiocarbon dating. By capturing the energy released during its radioactive decay, the battery generates continuous power. According to the researchers, this technology works much like solar panels, but instead of photons, it utilises fast-moving electrons produced within the diamond’s structure.
“This micropower technology can support a whole range of important applications from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants,” stated Tom Scott, professor, University of Bristol. The technology is particularly appealing to industries and sectors where long-lasting power is essential but conventional replacements are impractical. Medical professionals, aerospace engineers, and manufacturers of high-end tracking devices are among the key stakeholders poised to benefit from this innovation.
The diamond battery’s potential applications are vast. In the medical field, its biocompatibility makes it suitable for devices like pacemakers, hearing aids, and ocular implants, drastically reducing the need for replacements and associated patient discomfort. Moreover, the battery’s durability positions it as a key energy solution for extreme environments, such as outer space or remote terrestrial locations.
Spacecraft, payloads, and tracking devices on Earth could benefit from the diamond battery’s long-lasting capabilities, significantly lowering operational costs and extending the lifespan of equipment. Sarah Clark, director, tritium fuel cycle, UKAEA highlighted its sustainable promise: “Diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power.”
The battery’s development involved constructing a plasma deposition rig at UKAEA’s Culham campus. This work is partly attributed to expertise gained through UKAEA’s research into fusion energy, an area central to advancing clean energy solutions.
By leveraging carbon-14, this technology could redefine energy use in the coming decades.
