A battery made of diamonds could power devices for thousands of years, researchers have announced.
This battery would be powered by a diamond surrounding a radioactive isotope of carbon known as carbon-14. The device would be able to provide power for much longer than modern batteries can, allowing them to be used in medical devices and even in extreme environments such as space.
“Diamond batteries offer a safe and sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power. This is an emerging technology that uses manufactured diamond to safely encapsulate small amounts of carbon-14,” said Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at the show. UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) in a statement.
This strange new battery, developed by scientists from the UKAEA and the UK’s University of Bristol, works by using the radioactive decay of the carbon-14 isotope contained in diamond.
Isotopes are variants of a chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. Some isotopes are stable, while others are radioactive and decay over time, emitting radiation. Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon, meaning it undergoes beta decay and releases electrons.
A diamond battery works by converting this radioactive decay into electricity through a process called the beta-voltaic effect, which is similar to the way light is converted to electricity in solar panels. Carbon-14 has a half-life of about 5,730 years, meaning the battery could theoretically last for thousands of years, with performance diminishing over time.
It is hoped that these batteries could be used in medical devices requiring long-term power without recharging or replacement, such as eye implants, hearing aids and pacemakers, as well as in spacecraft and satellites or remote sensors where maintenance is impractical.
Tom Scott, professor of materials at the University of Bristol, said in a statement: “Our microelectric technology can support a range of important applications from space technology and security devices to medical implants. We are excited to explore all these possibilities, working with industry partners and research, over the next few years.”
The structure of the diamond would also contain decay radiation, ensuring safety for humans and the environment.
Neil Fox of the University of Bristol’s School of Chemistry said in a previous statement: “Carbon-14 was chosen as the source material because it emits short-range radiation that is quickly absorbed by any solid material. This would be dangerous to swallow or touch on your bare skin, but held securely in diamond no short-range radiation can escape.”
He added: “In fact, diamond is the hardest substance known to man, there is literally nothing we can use that can offer more protection.”
