China introduces revolutionary nuclear battery that lasts 50 years without charging

A Chinese startup, , claims to have developed a groundbreaking battery that can power smartphones for an impressive 50 years without the need for . The , which has been hailed as the world’s first miniaturized atomic energy system, uses 63 nuclear isotopes packed into a module smaller than a coin. The technology behind the battery involves converting the energy released by decaying isotopes into electricity.

This concept was first explored in the 20th century and Betavolt has successfully realized it in their innovative product. The startup has already initiated pilot testing and plans to mass-produce the battery for commercial applications, such as smartphones and drones. In a press release, Betavolt stated, “Betavolt atomic energy batteries can meet the needs of long-lasting power supply in multiple scenarios, such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical equipment, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots.

” They believe that this energy innovation will give a competitive advantage in the new era of AI technology. The initial nuclear battery developed by Betavolt delivers 100 microwatts of power and has a voltage of 3V, while measuring a tiny 15x15x5 cubic millimeters. The company plans to produce a battery with 1 watt of power by 2025.

The small size of these batteries allows for multiple units to be connected, increasing the power output. Betavolt envisions a future where mobile phones never need to be charged and drones can fly indefinitely. The design of the battery ensures safety as well.

Betavolt claims that their layered structure prevents the battery from catching fire or exploding when subjected to sudden force. Additionally, the battery can operate in a wide temperature range, from -60 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius. To create this revolutionary battery, Betavolt’s scientists used nickel-63, a radioactive element, as the energy source.

They employed diamond semiconductors to convert the energy. The team developed a thin single-crystal diamond semiconductor, only 10 microns thick, and placed a 2-micron-thick nickel-63 sheet between two diamond semiconductor converters. The decay energy of the radioactive source is then converted into electrical current.

One concern with nuclear energy is radiation. However, Betavolt assures users that their battery is safe, with no external radiation. They claim that it is suitable for use in medical devices inside the human body, like pacemakers and cochlear implants.

After the decay period, the 63 isotopes transform into a stable, non-radioactive isotope of copper, posing no environmental threat or pollution. Notably, the BV100 battery developed by Betavolt is also more secure compared to conventional batteries. It does not catch fire or explode when punctured or exposed to high temperatures, making it a safer option.

The development of miniaturized nuclear batteries has long been a goal for scientists. The Soviet Union and the United States previously explored this technology for use in spacecraft, underwater systems, and remote scientific stations. However, these batteries were expensive and bulky.

Under China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, efforts were made to miniaturize and commercialize nuclear batteries. Research institutions in the US and Europe are also working on similar projects. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize electronics by eliminating the need for chargers or portable power banks.

Devices powered by these nuclear batteries could operate continuously without degradation in capacity or lifespan, unlike traditional Li-ion batteries. Imagine drones that can fly non-stop, phones that never need to be charged, and electric cars that don’t require frequent recharging. The future looks promising with Betavolt’s nuclear battery, offering an unlimited power supply and transforming the way we use and perceive electronic devices.

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