Betavolt Technology, a Chinese company, has introduced a groundbreaking nuclear battery technology that claims to keep smartphones running for 50 years without the need for charging. The company asserts successful miniaturization of atomic energy batteries, measuring a mere 15 x 15 x 5mm, smaller than a coin. Utilizing the radioactive isotope Nickel 63, the compact battery generates 100 microwatts and a 3V voltage through the process of radioactive decay.
Currently undergoing pilot testing, Betavolt aims to mass-produce these batteries for commercial devices such as phones and drones. The company envisions applications in aerospace equipment, AI, medical devices, advanced sensors, and micro-robots. Drawing inspiration from devices like pacemakers and satellites, Betavolt is set to advance its technology to produce a 1-watt battery by 2025, claiming to outpace European and American scientific research institutions.
This revolutionary technology could transform electronics by eliminating the need for chargers or portable power banks, creating devices with continuous operation and batteries that do not degrade in capacity or lifespan over charging cycles, unlike traditional Li-ion batteries. Betavolt asserts safety advantages, stating the battery will not catch fire or explode, even in response to punctures or gunshots.
The nuclear batteries use nickel-63 and diamond semiconductors to convert decay energy into electrical current. The advantages include lightweight design, a long service life, high energy density, and normal operation under extreme temperatures from -60 to 120 degrees Celsius. The modular design allows multiple batteries to be connected for higher energy output, potentially powering automotive technology and AI systems.
Addressing concerns about radiation, Betavolt claims the battery is safe with no external radiation and is suitable for medical devices inside the human body, such as pacemakers and cochlea implants. After decay, the nuclear isotopes become non-radioactive copper, posing no environmental threat. Despite potential reservations linked to historical nuclear incidents, Betavolt’s nuclear battery technology represents a significant leap towards unwired, always-on devices, potentially ushering in a new era in nuclear energy use in electronics.
Source: TechRadar
