Scientists develop diamond battery that could last 5,000 years

British scientists at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Bristol developed a diamond battery that could last thousands of years. The carbon-14 diamond battery, as reported by The Telegraph, harnesses the radioactive decay of carbon-14 to produce a continuous and stable energy source, potentially revolutionizing energy use in medical devices and space exploration.

The battery operates by encapsulating carbon-14, a radioactive isotope of carbon, within a synthetic diamond structure. This encapsulation not only prevents radioactive leakage but also utilizes the betavoltaic effect, where the diamond converts the emitted electrons from the carbon-14 decay into electricity. The battery is the size of a conventional wristwatch battery, measuring 10mm across and just 0.5mm thick.

The Telegraph, Bild, IFLScience, BBC, Newsweek, PCWorld, TechCity, O Globo, TheNextWeb, and News18 reported on the new technology, among other outlets.

Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, highlighted the innovative approach behind the technology. “Diamond batteries provide a safe and sustainable way to provide continuous power levels in the microwatt range. They are an emerging technology that uses manufactured diamond to safely encapsulate small amounts of carbon-14,” she stated, according to Newsweek.

The half-life of carbon-14 is 5,730 years, meaning the battery could potentially provide energy for thousands of years without the need for replacement. News18 reported that this longevity makes it especially useful for devices where durability and reliability are crucial, such as pacemakers, hearing aids, and other implantable medical devices. Patients would not need to undergo battery replacements throughout their lifetime, significantly simplifying their lives and reducing stress.

“Our micro-power technology can support a wide range of important applications, from space technologies and security devices to medical implants. We are excited to explore all these possibilities, collaborating with partners in industry and research in the coming years,” said Professor Tom Scott from the University of Bristol, as reported by The Telegraph.

The diamond battery also offers a solution for managing nuclear waste. The carbon-14 used in the batteries is extracted from graphite blocks, which are waste products in nuclear power stations. By extracting carbon-14 from the graphite, the radioactivity decreases, alleviating costs and challenges for the safe storage of nuclear waste.

The battery's potential extends beyond medical applications. TechCity highlighted its suitability for powering devices in extreme environments, such as space exploration and deep-sea missions, where conventional batteries are not viable due to the difficulty of replacement or maintenance. The stable and long-lasting energy source could keep systems and instruments operating for extended periods without the need for maintenance.

"The diamond battery would revolutionize the battery industry," said Fatimah Sannie, a senior process engineer at UKAEA who worked on the project, "We can use it in small satellites, in computer chips, and remote control wrist watches," she added.

Newsweek reported that the radioactive carbon-14 is securely encased within the diamond structure, ensuring safety for humans and the environment. The diamond casing not only prevents radioactive leakage but also helps increase the durability of the battery.

"Carbon-14 was chosen as the starting material because it emits short-range radiation, which is quickly absorbed by any solid material. This would make it dangerous to ingest or touch with bare skin, but if kept safely inside the diamond, no short-range radiation can escape," said Neil Fox from the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol.

The Telegraph reports that work is underway to upscale production and improve power performance.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq