Coin-sized nuclear battery with a 50-year lifespan enters mass production

A Chinese company developed a 50-year-lasting, coin-sized nuclear battery.

: Betavolt New Energy Technology has initiated the mass production of the BV100, a 3V nuclear battery with a 50-year lifespan, using a nickel-63 core and diamond semiconductors. This compact design can be scaled by combining multiple batteries to power larger devices, and a more powerful 1-watt version is planned for release this year. The technology offers an energy density over ten times greater than that of lithium batteries and operates in extreme temperatures. Betavolt is the current pioneer in this field and is spurring global competition with firms like City Labs and Kronos Advanced Technologies.

The BV100 by Betavolt New Energy Technology incorporates a radioactive nickel-63 core that decays into copper, transforming its decay into electricity via diamond semiconductors. At 100 microwatts and 3 volts, its power output is modest but sufficient for low-energy, long-term applications, such as in AI, aerospace, and medical devices. This efficient use of betavoltaic technology allows for configurations where numerous cells can be combined to meet larger energy requirements, making it versatile for numerous industries. The announcement of a one-watt version expected later this year demonstrates Betavolt's commitment to expanding applications and potential markets.

Themes of safety and durability are paramount with Betavolt's battery offering. Unlike conventional chemical batteries that carry risks of explosive reactions, the 3V nuclear battery operates across a broad temperature range of -60°C to +120°C. It also promises over ten times the energy density compared to traditional ternary lithium batteries, thereby reducing size and weight requirements significantly for devices aiming for extended durations without maintenance or recharges.

Zhang Wei, the Chairman and CEO of Betavolt, highlighted their unique ability to mass-produce large diamond semiconductor materials, leading to potential advancements not only in nuclear batteries but in sectors like super-capacitors and carbon nanotube materials. The company's success in winning awards such as third place in the China National Nuclear Corporation's Innovation Competition has solidified its reputation as an innovator in the global energy market.

International competitors are keenly watching Betavolt's progress. City Labs, for instance, has actively pursued betavoltaic batteries using tritium financed by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, specifically aiming their advancements at medical devices like pacemakers. Meanwhile, institutions like Northwest Normal University are exploring similar technologies using carbon-14 isotopes, emphasizing the growing interest and race to harness small-scale nuclear energy efficiently.

As global energy demands increase and applications for long-lasting, reliable power sources widen, Betavolt's BV100 is seen as a critical step toward practical nuclear battery technology. Its advantages over older nuclear designs, which relied heavily on cumbersome thermoelectric generators, stand out not only in weight and safety but also in practicality for consumer electronics, drones, and numerous next-generation tech products.

Sources: TechSpot, Popular Mechanic, China National Nuclear Corporation

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