The Revolutionary Carbon-14 Diamond Battery: A Sustainable Power Solution for Millennia
In a groundbreaking development, researchers from the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have unveiled the world’s first Carbon-14 Diamond Battery, described in a statement issued on December 4. This innovative battery harnesses the decay of carbon-14 a radioactive isotope often used to date organic artifacts promising an astonishing lifespan that could power devices for thousands of years.
The implications of this technology are immense, potentially providing environmentally friendly long-term power not just on Earth but even in space ideal for applications ranging from medical implants to satellite systems.
Meet the Innovators
Among those at the forefront of this revolutionary project is Eseosa Ekanem, a Senior Process Engineer in Technology and Research at UKAEA. Originally from Nigeria and holding a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London, Ekanem has been with UKAEA since 2021.
She played an integral role in developing this cutting-edge battery alongside her colleagues at Bristol. “What was done is to get the Carbon-14 hooked into the diamond,” Ekanem. “Since diamond is a very hard substance, it can absorb all that radiation and makes sure it doesn’t get out; thus, the actual battery is very safe.”
This safety aspect is crucial given that many applications could involve sensitive environments such as inside human bodies.
Fathimah Sanni, another key contributor and Senior Engineer at UKAEA echoed similar sentiments about its versatility on her LinkedIn account stating: “Diamond battery technology is a groundbreaking innovation that could redefine energy storage by powering devices for decades without recharging.”
She expressed excitement over its potential uses across various fields including medical devices, space, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
How Does It Work?
The mechanics behind this remarkable device lie primarily in carbon-14’s properties. With a half-life of approximately 5,700 years the time taken for half of any given sample to decay the carbon-14 diamond battery retains half its power after thousands of years. The prototype batteries are compactly sized at 10mm x 10mm with thicknesses up to 0.5mm. Carbon-14 was selected specifically due to its emission characteristics; it emits short-range radiation that gets quickly absorbed by solid materials diamonds an ideal containment medium due to their unparalleled hardness. By capturing fast-moving electrons within its structure rather than relying on light particles like traditional solar cells do, these batteries offer unique functionality without compromising safety. According to Sarah Clark a Director within Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA the technology represents “a safe sustainable way” to ensure continuous power supply while also presenting opportunities for emerging technologies involving manufactured diamonds encasing small amounts of carbon-14 safely.
Environmental Impact
One particularly compelling aspect lies not only in application but also sustainability: conventional batteries often contribute significantly towards electronic waste due largely because they need replacements or discarding after use cycles end abruptly when depleted or damaged beyond repair. These innovative diamond batteries promise reduced environmental impact through their extended operational life spans coupled with lower rates required replacement cycles overall leading improved energy efficiency across various sectors once commercialized successfully. Additionally significant quantities exist globally regarding nuclear waste management as Sarah Clark noted earlier about extracting usable resources therein while simultaneously decreasing hazardous material storage costs associated currently held graphite blocks containing nearly 95 thousand tonnes worth residing solely within UK’s borders. The potential uses range widely from satellites deployed deep into outer space all way down delicate instruments embedded directly
