A groundbreaking innovation has emerged from the United Kingdom, where a team of researchers has successfully developed a carbon-14 diamond battery. This remarkable power source has the unique ability to safely supply electricity for thousands of years, potentially transforming the way energy is delivered across numerous applications.
This revolutionary battery, the first of its kind, was created by scientists from the University of Bristol in collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). As reported by Interesting Engineering on December 5, the carbon-14 diamond battery represents a sustainable and efficient energy solution capable of providing long-lasting power. Its impressive longevity and innovative design make it a promising technology for various fields, from medicine to space exploration.
The operating principle of the battery revolves around harnessing the energy released during the radioactive decay of carbon-14. Carbon-14 is a well-known radioactive isotope commonly used in archaeological dating to determine the age of ancient artifacts. In this battery, it is encased within synthetic diamond, one of the hardest materials on Earth, which serves as both a protective shield and a mechanism for energy collection. The diamond casing captures radiation emitted during decay, converting it into electricity in a safe and controlled manner.
Unlike conventional power sources, the carbon-14 diamond battery emits only short-range radiation, which is fully absorbed by the diamond layer surrounding it. This ensures safety while generating electricity at low levels. The battery operates similarly to a photovoltaic solar cell, but instead of converting sunlight into energy, it uses fast-moving electrons generated by radioactive decay. This design results in a reliable and virtually maintenance-free power source with an extraordinary lifespan. Considering the half-life of carbon-14 is approximately 5,700 years, the battery will retain half its charge even after millennia.
Sarah Clark, the director of the Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, emphasized the groundbreaking potential of this invention. She stated, “Diamond batteries offer a safe and sustainable method for providing continuous power at the microwatt level. These emerging technologies utilize synthetic diamonds to securely encapsulate small quantities of carbon-14, ensuring both efficiency and safety.”
One of the most remarkable features of the carbon-14 diamond battery is its adaptability to diverse environments and devices. This technology could revolutionize the medical field by powering implantable devices such as pacemakers, hearing aids, and other biomedical devices. Unlike conventional batteries that need frequent replacements, diamond batteries last for several decades, decreasing the necessity for surgical procedures and reducing patient discomfort.
Furthermore, the diamond battery is ideal for extreme and remote settings, such as outer space or isolated regions on Earth. It could be used to power spacecraft, satellites, or tracking devices, significantly lowering operational costs and extending the functionality of these systems.
The carbon-14 used in these batteries is derived from graphite blocks, a byproduct of nuclear fission reactors. This innovative approach not only reduces radioactive waste but also transforms it into a valuable energy source. The UK alone possesses nearly 95,000 tons of graphite blocks, highlighting the potential scale of this technology. The production process employs a plasma deposition rig, a specialized tool developed through the joint efforts of the University of Bristol and UKAEA. This method facilitates the growth of diamond structures, making it possible to repurpose radioactive waste while reducing storage challenges and associated costs.
