Scientists and engineers from the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Bristol have unveiled a groundbreaking innovation: the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery. This cutting-edge energy solution has the potential to power devices for thousands of years, opening new frontiers in sustainable, long-lasting energy sources.
The key to the battery’s extraordinary longevity lies in its use of carbon-14, a radioactive isotope renowned for its role in radiocarbon dating. This isotope enables the diamond battery to produce continuous, low-level power over extended periods. The technology operates similarly to solar panels, which convert light into electricity. However, instead of photons, the diamond battery captures fast-moving electrons generated by the radioactive decay of carbon-14, which has a half-life of 5,700 years.
Game-Changing Applications Across Industries
The carbon-14 diamond battery offers immense promise in diverse fields, particularly where durability and reliability are paramount. Its bio-compatible properties make it an ideal candidate for medical devices such as ocular implants, hearing aids, and pacemakers. With these batteries, patients could avoid frequent replacements, significantly reducing medical interventions and improving their quality of life.
In addition to healthcare, the diamond battery is poised to transform operations in extreme environments. From powering spacecraft to tracking devices on Earth, its ability to endure harsh conditions makes it invaluable. For instance, active radio frequency (RF) tags equipped with diamond batteries could operate for decades without replacement, enabling efficient tracking and cost savings for space missions and industrial logistics.
Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, highlighted the battery’s versatility, stating, “Diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power. They are an emerging technology that uses a manufactured diamond to safely encase small amounts of carbon-14.”
Innovation Rooted in Fusion Energy Research
The development of this revolutionary battery stems from UKAEA’s ongoing research in fusion energy, a field dedicated to creating cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Leveraging expertise from their fusion projects, scientists collaborated to design and build a plasma deposition rig at UKAEA’s Culham Campus. This specialised equipment enables the growth of the diamond structures essential for the battery’s functionality.
Professor Tom Scott, a materials expert at the University of Bristol, expressed optimism about the battery’s potential, saying, “Our micropower technology can support a whole range of important applications from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants. We’re excited to explore these possibilities with partners in industry and research.”
Shaping the Future of Energy
The carbon-14 diamond battery is a testament to the synergy between scientific discovery and engineering innovation. Its unique ability to deliver sustainable, long-term power has implications for industries ranging from healthcare to aerospace and security.
As research continues, this innovation not only showcases the UKAEA and the University of Bristol’s leadership in advanced materials but also promises to redefine the boundaries of energy technology, offering a glimpse into a future powered by sustainability and ingenuity.
