Chinese technology company Betavolt announced earlier this week that it is developing a new type of battery for smartphones, among others. The battery, which will run on nuclear power, is expected to last no less than 50 years and is smaller than a coin, according to a press release. The company can’t yet say when the atomic battery will actually hit the market.
The battery generates electricity using the energy released during the decay of the isotope nickel-63. It is a process that was first studied in the 20th century. The technology is already used today in devices that are difficult to charge and cannot use solar energy, such as space probes. The first generation of pacemakers also used nuclear energy.
However, unlike existing nuclear batteries, Betavolt’s new battery would not emit dangerous radiation. The first version of the nuclear batteries could provide 100 microwatts of power, but by 2025 the company plans to produce a battery with a capacity of 1 watt. Given their small size, the batteries could also be used in series to provide more power, opening the door to applications in devices such as smartphones that never need to be charged or drones that can fly “forever.”
Ecological
According to Betavolt, the battery’s design also ensures that it does not catch fire or explode in the event of sudden power surges, and that it can operate even in temperatures between -60 degrees and 120 degrees Celsius.
Once the battery life runs out, no nuclear waste is released, Betavolt points out. “Atomic energy batteries are environmentally friendly. After the decay period, the isotopes transform into a stable isotope of copper, which is not radioactive and does not pose any threat or pollution to the environment,” reads the press release.
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2024-01-12 20:41:59
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