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Scientists Just Built a Battery That Never Needs Charging [View all]
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-just-built-a-battery-that-never-needs-charging/Imagine never charging your phone again or having a pacemaker that lasts a lifetime. Scientists are developing tiny nuclear batteries powered by radiocarbon, a safe and abundant by-product of nuclear plants.
Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which degrade over time and harm the environment, these new designs use beta radiation to trigger an electron avalanche and generate electricity. The team’s latest prototype vastly improved efficiency, and though challenges remain, the technology could one day make nuclear power as accessible as your pocket device.
The Problem with Current Batteries
Cell phones that die unexpectedly and electric vehicles that can’t make it to their destination highlight a common problem: battery limitations. Most rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, found in everything from phones to cars, last only hours or days between charges. Over time, their performance declines, requiring more frequent charging.
To address this issue, researchers are exploring a new approach: nuclear batteries powered by radiocarbon. These small, affordable batteries could provide safe, long-lasting energy for decades without needing to be recharged.
. . .
Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which degrade over time and harm the environment, these new designs use beta radiation to trigger an electron avalanche and generate electricity. The team’s latest prototype vastly improved efficiency, and though challenges remain, the technology could one day make nuclear power as accessible as your pocket device.
The Problem with Current Batteries
Cell phones that die unexpectedly and electric vehicles that can’t make it to their destination highlight a common problem: battery limitations. Most rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, found in everything from phones to cars, last only hours or days between charges. Over time, their performance declines, requiring more frequent charging.
To address this issue, researchers are exploring a new approach: nuclear batteries powered by radiocarbon. These small, affordable batteries could provide safe, long-lasting energy for decades without needing to be recharged.
. . .
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