Researchers at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Bristol have made a breakthrough in energy storage technology. By combining carbon-14 isotope and artificial diamonds, the researchers have developed a diamond battery with incredible durability. This battery can provide energy for thousands of years. But is this really possible?
The diamond battery can last for thousands of years!
Actually, the working principle of the diamond battery is quite interesting. The carbon-14 isotope emits energy during radioactive decay. This energy is converted into electricity by the surface of the rhinestone. This process is similar to how solar panels convert light into electricity, but here the energy source is a radioactive element. The battery can provide microwatts of energy continuously.
Shiftdelete.netThe 5,700-year half-life of carbon-14 means that the lifetime of this battery could be thousands of years. It is also worth noting that the diamond battery has a wide range of uses. It can be our best friend, especially in areas where access to an energy source is difficult or impossible. For example, in medical devices such as pacemakers or hearing aids, it could save years of battery replacement.
Likewise, in deep space missions, this technology could fulfill the need for a long-lasting energy source. It is also highly applicable in security systems or industrial sensors. Meanwhile, apart from its longevity, the diamond battery is also environmentally friendly. The carbon-14 is extracted from nuclear waste and safely stored in the diamond. This makes it possible for the battery to be both environmentally benign and effectively reuse the radioactive material.
The researchers say they plan to increase collaborations to commercialize this technology. Although no release date has yet been set, it is expected that diamond batteries will soon be applied, especially in areas such as medical devices and space technology.
