Scientists reveals carbon-14 diamond battery—can power devices for 5,700 years

Scientists and engineers have announced the creation of the world's first carbon-14 diamond battery.

Goodbye, lowbat?

A game changer in the battery world?

What made it special? The new battery technology has the potential to power devices for thousands of years, up to 5,700 years in total.

Image shows members of the Diamond Battery team, including Neil Fox, Professor of Materials for Energy at the University of Bristol (far left), with the Plasma Deposition Rig at UKAEA.

Scientists and engineers from the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) said that the battery leverages the radioactive isotope, carbon-14, known for its use in radiocarbon dating, to produce a diamond battery.

It works by using the radioactive decay of carbon-14 to generate low levels of power. The tech functions similarly to solar panels, which convert light into electricity, but instead of using light particles (photons), they capture fast-moving electrons from within the diamond structure.

The carbon-14 diamond battery works by using the radioactive decay of carbon-14, which has a half-life of 5,700 years, to generate low levels of power. It functions similarly to solar panels, which convert light into electricity, but instead of using light particles (photons), they capture fast-moving electrons from within the diamond structure.

Some of the "game-changing" applications include its use in medical devices like ocular implants, hearing aids, and pacemakers which minimizes the need for replacements and distress to patients.

Moreover, the battery could also be used in extreme environments on Earth and even in space.

They claimed that the batteries could power active radio frequency (RF) tags where there is a need to identify and track devices either on Earth or in space, such as spacecraft or payloads, for decades at a time. The effect? Reduced cost and extended operational lifespan.

Professor Tom Scott, Professor in Materials at the University of Bristol, said:

Our micropower technology can support a whole range of important applications from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants. We're excited to be able to explore all of these possibilities, working with partners in industry and research, over the next few years.

Diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power. They are an emerging technology that use a manufactured diamond to safely encase small amounts of carbon-14, said Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA.

What do you guys think?

Source: University of Bristol