Skip to main content

Nuclear Powered Battery

Researchers Unveil an Ultra-Efficient, Nuclear-Powered Battery

Introduction

Two different architectures of radiophotovoltaic batteries

Researchers in China, comprising a team of physicists and engineers from multiple institutions, have developed a miniature Nuclear Battery they claim achieves efficiency up to 8,000 times that of previous models. Their paper appears in Nature.

The Quest for Miniature Nuclear Power Sources

For decades, scientists have sought to develop miniature nuclear power sources capable of powering a wide range of devices, form smartphones to robots and vehicles, for extended periods. However, progress has been hindered by the inherent risks associated with nuclear technology, irrespective of scale.

The Challenge of Nuclear-Charged Batteries

One potential solution is the use of nuclear-charged batteries. However, such devices are typically small to limit the amount of nuclear material, leading to both reduced power output and inefficiency.

Research Findings

In this recent study, the research team discovered a method to develop a significantly more efficient device.

Device Design and Mechanism

The research team developed a straightforward device by incorporating a small amount of americium into a crystal. The emitted alpha particles produce light, causing the crystal to emit a green glow.

The researches linked the crystal to a photovoltaic cell, which converts the emitted light into electricity. The entire device was enclosed in a quartz cell to prevent radiation leakage.

Testing and Results

During testing, the researchers discovered that their device could hold a charge for an extended period--potentially lasting decades. However, they noted that while americium has a half-life of 7,380 years, the radiation would degrade the housing materials far sooner.

Further tests revealed the device to be nearly 8,000 times more efficient than earlier nuclear-powered battery systems. Despite this, the power output is quite low; approximately 40 billion such batteries would be needed to illuminate a 60--watt bulb.

Future Applications

The research team indicates that further improvements could pave the way for tiny power packs designed for small, remote devices, such as those used in deep space exploration.

Source

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NASA chile scientists comet 3i atlas nickel mystery

NASA and Chilean Scientists Study 3I/ATLAS, A Comet That Breaks the Rules Interstellar visitors are rare guests in our Solar System , but when they appear they often rewrite the rules of astronomy. Such is the case with 3I/ATLAS , a fast-moving object that has left scientists puzzled with its bizarre behaviour. Recent findings from NASA and Chilean researchers reveal that this comet-like body is expelling an unusual plume of nickel — without the iron that typically accompanies it. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom about how comets form and evolve, sparking both excitement and controversy across the scientific community. A Cosmic Outsider: What Is 3I/ATLAS? The object 3I/ATLAS —the third known interstellar traveler after "Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019) —was first detected in July 2025 by the ATLAS telescope network , which scans he skies for potentially hazardous objects. Earlier images from Chile's Vera C. Rubin Observatory had unknowingly captured it, but ...
Post a Comment
Read more

bermuda triangle rogue waves mystery solved

Bermuda Triangle Mystery: Scientist Claims Rogue Waves May Explain Vanishing Ships and Aircraft for decades, the Bermuda Triangle has captured the world's imagination, often described as a supernatural hotspot where ships vanish and aircraft disappear without a trace. From ghostly ships adrift to unexplained plane crashes, this stretch of ocean between Bermuda, Puerto Rico and Florida remains one of the most infamous maritime mysteries. But now, Dr. Simon Boxall, an oceanographer at the University of Southampton , suggests the answer may not be extraterrestrial at all. Instead, he argues that the truth lies in rogue waves — giant, unpredictable surges of water capable of swallowing even the largest ships within minutes. The Bermuda Triangle: A Legacy of Fear and Fascination The Bermuda Triangle has inspired decades of speculation , with theories ranging from UFO abductions to interdimensional rifts. Popular culture, documentaries and countless books have kept the legend alive, of...
Post a Comment
Read more

nist breakthrough particle number concentration formula

NIST Researchers Introduce Breakthrough Formula for Particle Number Concentration Understanding the number of particles in a sample is a fundamental task across multiple scientific fields — from nanotechnology to food science. Scientists use a measure called Particle Number Concentration (PNC) to determine how many particles exist in a given volume, much like counting marbles in a jar. Recently, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a novel formula that calculates particle concentrations with unprecedented accuracy. Their work, published in Analytical Chemistry , could significantly improve precision in drug delivery, nanoplastic assessment and monitoring food additives. Related reading on Nanotechnology advancements: AI systems for real-time flood detection . What is Particle Number Concentration (PNC)? Defining PNC Particle Number Concentration indicates the total count of particles within a specific volume of gas or liquid,...
Post a Comment
Read more