Diamond batteries can last for thousands of years

A research team in the UK has created a carbon-14 diamond battery that can safely provide electricity with high durability for up to thousands of years.

Scientists from the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have developed the world's first carbon-14 diamond battery. This revolutionary energy source is capable of powering devices for thousands of years, providing a sustainable and efficient solution for a wide range of applications, Interesting Engineering reported on December 5.

A diamond battery prototype using carbon-14. (Photo: University of Bristol).

The carbon-14 diamond battery harnesses the radioactive decay of carbon-14, a radioactive isotope commonly used in dating artifacts, to generate electricity. Encased in diamond, one of the hardest materials known, the new battery safely collects radiation to generate electricity.

Carbon-14 emits short-range radiation that is absorbed by the diamond casing, ensuring safety while producing low levels of electricity. The battery works similarly to a photovoltaic cell, but instead of converting light into electricity, it uses fast-moving electrons from radioactive decay. The result is a long-lasting, reliable source of power with an impressive lifespan. Since carbon-14 has a half-life of 5,700 years, the battery will still retain half of its charge even after thousands of years.

Sarah Clark, director of the Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, highlighted the sustainability and safety of the invention. 'Diamond batteries offer a safe and sustainable way to deliver continuous microwatt-level power. They are an emerging technology that uses synthetic diamonds to encapsulate small amounts of carbon-14 , ' said Clark.

One of the most promising features of carbon-14 diamond batteries is their versatility . They can be used in a wide range of environments and devices where conventional power sources are not available. Biocompatible diamond batteries could revolutionize the medical field by powering implantable devices such as pacemakers, hearing aids, and eye devices. Unlike traditional batteries that need to be replaced regularly, diamond batteries can last for decades, reducing the discomfort and risk of surgery for patients.

Additionally, the new batteries are ideal for missions in space and remote locations on Earth. They could power spacecraft, satellites, and even radio frequency tracking tags, reducing costs and extending operational life.

The carbon-14 used in batteries is mined from graphite, a by-product of nuclear fission reactors. By utilising the material, the technology reduces radioactive waste while creating a useful source of energy. The UK has nearly 95,000 tonnes of graphite. The production process involves using a plasma deposition platform, a specialist device developed jointly by the University of Bristol and UKAEA, to grow diamond structures. The method not only offers the possibility of using radioactive waste, but also reduces the cost and challenges of safe storage.