Scientists Unveil Battery Powered by Nuclear Waste

Nuclear energy produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions but presents challenges due to radioactive waste.

A recent study explores a potential solution: using this waste to power microelectronics.

Researchers in the U.S. harnessed ambient gamma radiation from nuclear waste to generate enough energy to run microchips. While currently limited to small sensors, the team believes the technology could be scaled up.

“We’re taking something regarded as waste and transforming it into value,” says nuclear engineer Raymond Cao from Ohio State University.

Nuclear power currently supplies about 10% of global energy needs. If its waste can be repurposed effectively, the technology may become an even more attractive alternative to fossil fuels.

Nuclear batteries, which convert radioactive decay into electricity, have been under development for decades, but the technology has yet to reach practical viability.

Two-Step Energy Conversion in a Compact Prototype

In this approach, energy production occurred in two steps: scintillator crystals first transformed radiation into light, which was then converted into electricity by solar cells. The prototype battery had a compact size of approximately 4 cubic centimeters (0.24 cubic inches).

During testing with two radioactive sources—cesium-137 and cobalt-60, both common byproducts of nuclear fission—the battery produced 288 nanowatts and 1.5 microwatts, respectively.

“This represents a significant breakthrough in power output,” says Ibrahim Oksuz, an aerospace engineer at Ohio State University.

“This two-step process is still in its early stages, but the next goal is to scale up and generate higher power outputs.”

Targeted Deployment and Potential Applications

These batteries would primarily be deployed near nuclear waste facilities rather than for public use. However, they hold promise for powering low-maintenance sensors and monitoring devices.

According to the researchers, the battery is safe to handle and does not pose an environmental hazard. However, questions remain about its long-term durability once installed.

“The radiation resistance of both the scintillator and the photovoltaic cell is a crucial factor and should be a primary focus for future research,” the team notes.

The technology could also be adapted for environments with natural gamma radiation, such as space. While significant improvements are still needed, the researchers are confident in the viability of the concept.

During the study, the team also identified how the arrangement of scintillator crystals and solar cells influences energy conversion and output—insights that will inform future developments.

“The nuclear battery concept has great potential,” says Oksuz.

“There’s still plenty of room for refinement, but I believe this approach will eventually establish itself as a key player in both energy production and sensor technology.”

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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