Researchers have developed a groundbreaking battery using radioactive diamond technology that can generate electricity for thousands of years. By repurposing radioactive waste, this innovative energy source offers consistent power over millennia with minimal environmental impact. Though it produces only small amounts of energy, its durability and potential applications make it revolutionary.
By Julian James
How the Diamond Battery Works
Nuclear reactors use graphite, a form of carbon, to regulate radioactive reactions. During this process, some of the graphite becomes radioactive and contains carbon-14, a waste product that usually requires long-term storage. In diamond battery production, the carbon-14 is extracted by heating the graphite, releasing it as a gas. This gas is then converted into artificial diamonds under high pressure and temperature, creating a material capable of generating electricity through beta radiation.
Safety Features and Radiation Shielding
Despite its use of radioactive material, the diamond battery is designed with built-in safety measures. The outer layer of the battery consists of a non-radioactive diamond shell, which effectively blocks harmful radiation. Since carbon-14 emits only beta radiation, this shielding ensures that the battery is completely safe for use in everyday applications. The continuous emission of radiation within the diamond generates a steady electric current, making it an ideal long-term power source.
Promising Applications for Long-Term Power
While the energy output of diamond batteries is small—roughly 15 joules per day for one gram of carbon-14—it is sufficient for many specialized uses. These batteries could power medical implants such as pacemakers and hearing aids, eliminating the need for replacements. In space exploration, they could provide reliable energy for satellites, drones, and probes operating in remote environments for decades without maintenance. With over 95,000 tons of radioactive graphite waste in the UK alone, there is no shortage of raw material for production.
A Step Toward Sustainable Energy
Diamond batteries represent a breakthrough in sustainable energy technology, turning nuclear waste into a practical power source. The potential for these batteries to last thousands of years, as claimed by California-based company NDB, highlights their long-term reliability. This innovation could pave the way for more sustainable solutions in fields ranging from medicine to aerospace.
Diamond batteries offer an innovative way to repurpose nuclear waste into a reliable, long-term energy source. Their potential to power medical devices, space technology, and more highlights their versatility despite low-energy output. This breakthrough underscores the importance of sustainable energy solutions for addressing global challenges.
Based on information from www.futurzone.at and own research.