Betavolt Technology, a startup based in Beijing, is making strides in smartphone batteries with a groundbreaking development. The company is reportedly exploring using nuclear technology to create batteries that can store a charge for up to 50 years. If successful, this new technology could eliminate the need for charging mobile devices.
According to an Independent article, Betavolt, a company based in Beijing, claims to have created the world's first nuclear battery that successfully miniaturizes atomic energy. The battery is smaller than a coin, yet it contains 63 nuclear isotopes that generate electricity by converting the energy released from decaying isotopes, using a process first explored in the 20th century.
The company has announced that it has entered the pilot testing stage of a new battery project, which they claim is the next-generation battery and will eventually be mass-produced for commercial applications like phones and drones.
How the battery works
Betavolt's scientists have created a radioactive battery that uses nickel-63, a radioactive element, as the energy source. They used diamond semiconductors as energy converters to develop a single-crystal diamond semiconductor that is only 10 microns thick. A 2-micron-thick nickel-63 sheet was placed between two diamond semiconductor converters, and the decay energy of the radioactive source was converted into an electrical current.
The company claims its atomic energy batteries are lightweight, have a long service life, and have a high energy density. Additionally, they can operate under extreme temperatures ranging from -60 to 120 degrees Celsius. Due to their modular design, multiple atomic batteries could be connected to provide a higher energy output that could power automotive technology and AI systems, among other things.
An achievement in miniaturization
Betavolt is proud to announce its latest breakthrough in energy storage. They have successfully achieved the miniaturization of atomic energy batteries with their latest product, Plate Number 1. This tiny module, smaller than a coin, can encapsulate 63 nuclear isotopes and deliver a charge of up to 100 microwatts.
Despite its tiny size of 15 x 15 x 5mm, Plate Number 1 can provide a voltage of 3V, making it a potential game-changer for the smartphone industry. The compact design of this nuclear battery opens up many possibilities for its application, from powering smartphones to potentially more significant devices.
For devices requiring more power, Betavolt recommends combining two or more batteries to meet increased energy demands.
A Concern on Radiation
Nuclear energy is a source of power that has consistently raised radiation concerns. However, Betavolt has addressed these concerns by stating that their atomic energy battery is safe. The battery has no external radiation and can be used in medical devices placed inside the human body, such as pacemakers and cochlea implants.
According to the company, atomic energy batteries are environmentally friendly. After a period of decay, the 63 isotopes turn into a stable isotope of copper, which is non-radioactive and does not pose any environmental threat or pollution.
Additionally, Betavolt claims that their battery is even safer than some current batteries. They state that the battery will not catch fire or explode in response to punctures or even gunshots, which makes it a safer option than batteries that can be unsafe if damaged or exposed to high temperatures.
The process of reaching mass production is a lengthy journey
Betavolt Technology is hopeful about the potential of its nuclear battery. However, mass production has yet to commence, and it might take some time before it becomes widely used. The atomic battery could eliminate the need for frequent charging, but the journey from concept to adoption is gradual.
Article References:
1. 1. The Economic Times, India
2. 2. The Business Standard, Bangladesh
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