China Reveals Coin-Sized Nuclear Battery with 50-Year Lifespan
A Chinese startup, Betavolt, has revealed a groundbreaking development in nuclear batteries. The BV100, a tiny atomic energy battery the size of a small coin, claims to provide a continuous power supply for up to 50 years without charge.This innovation could potentially revolutionize how electronic devices are powered, although significant advancements are still required before practical applications, such as smartphone usage, become feasible.
Cutting-Edge Technology Surpasses International Standards
Betavolt, headquartered in Beijing, introduced the BV100 on January 8, emphasizing its technological superiority over European and American scientific research institutions and enterprises.
The battery harnesses the energy emitted by a decaying radioactive isotope of nickel, nickel-63, and incorporates thin sheets of single-crystal diamond semiconductor, each measuring 10 microns thick.
Impressive Performance Metrics
The BV100 boasts a storage capacity of 3,300-megawatt hours and an energy density surpassing conventional lithium batteries by more than tenfold. Betavolt asserts that the battery can maintain its output for five decades without recharging or maintenance.
Despite its modest dimensions (15 x 15 x 15 millimeters), the battery currently delivers 100 microwatts of power at 3 volts, making it insufficient for powering electronic devices like smartphones or laptops.
Potential Applications and Safety Assurance
Betavolt suggests that multiple BV100 batteries could be used in series or parallel to power more demanding devices. Despite concerns about carrying a radioactive decay capsule, the company assures the battery is “absolutely safe.”
Betavolt envisions potential applications in the medical field, such as powering pacemakers and artificial hearts, emphasizing the absence of external radiation and the battery’s resilience against fire or explosions.
Future Plans and Mass Production
The BV100 is currently in its “pilot stage,” with Betavolt planning to initiate mass production soon. The company aims to develop more potent batteries, with a 1-watt battery slated for launch in 2025.
Betavolt envisions a future where atomic energy batteries could eliminate the need for charging mobile phones and enable continuous drone flight, pending regulatory approvals. The startup’s ambition extends to exploring the use of different radioactive isotopes to enhance its products further.
Read the original article on IFL Science.
Read more: Japan Unveils the World’s Largest Operational Nuclear Fusion Reactor.
