Scientists and engineers from the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) developed the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery with the potential to power devices for thousands of years.

Pioneering Collaboration and Vision

This (world-first) cutting-edge innovation could dramatically transform sectors ranging from medicine to space exploration by providing a durable, long-lasting, and sustainable energy solution.

The development of the carbon-14 diamond battery was spearheaded by researchers at the University of Bristol and UKAEA. Their collaboration combined expertise in materials science and fusion energy to create a battery capable of producing continuous power over millennia. The project also benefited from funding through the European Space Agency’s Discovery Programme, under the Open Space Innovation Platform.

Battery Powered by Radioactive Nuclear Energy By-Product

The batteries are grown using a purpose-built plasma deposition rig (a machine that deposits thin material layers using controlled plasma) located at UKAEA’s Culham Campus near Oxford. The carbon-14 isotope (a by-product of nuclear reactors), is extracted from graphite blocks, making the process an innovative way to repurpose nuclear waste.

Similar to How Solar Panels Work

At the heart of this battery is the radioactive isotope carbon-14, widely recognised for its use in radiocarbon dating. As the carbon-14 undergoes radioactive decay, it emits high-energy electrons. These electrons are captured and converted into electricity by a synthetic diamond layer that functions as a semiconductor.

The technology is similar to how solar panels work, which transform light particles (photons) into electricity. In this case, however, the diamond battery captures energy from fast-moving electrons within its structure. This design ensures a steady, low-power output over an extraordinarily long period. With carbon-14’s half-life of 5,700 years, the potential operational lifespan of the battery spans several millennia.

Applications and Benefits

The promise of the carbon-14 diamond battery lies in its versatility and endurance. As Professor Tom Scott from the University of Bristol points out, “Our micropower technology can support a whole range of important applications from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants.”

Just some of exciting possible applications for the revolutionary new battery include:

Medical devices. Biocompatible diamond batteries could revolutionise medical technology, powering devices like pacemakers, hearing aids, and ocular implants. This would significantly reduce the need for invasive replacements, alleviating discomfort for patients and cutting healthcare costs.

Space exploration. The diamond battery’s durability makes it ideal for powering spacecraft and communication equipment. For instance, it could sustain satellites like Voyager 1 for thousands of years, far outlasting conventional power sources such as plutonium-238 batteries, which have a half-life of just 87.7 years.

Extreme environments. These batteries could also function effectively in extreme conditions, such as deep-sea exploration or remote Arctic regions, where replacing power sources is impractical.

Security and tracking. They could power active radio frequency (RF) tags to track and identify devices both on Earth and in space for decades, providing a cost-effective and reliable solution.

Sustainability and Safety

In addition to the many possible applications, Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, has highlighted the sustainability and safety of the technology, stating, “Diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power.”

Unique Features and Sustainability

The use of carbon-14 not only provides unparalleled longevity but also addresses the challenge of nuclear waste. Extracting carbon-14 from discarded graphite blocks repurposes radioactive material that would otherwise require long-term storage.

Also, the shortwave radiation emitted by carbon-14 is fully absorbed by the diamond casing, ensuring safety. When the battery eventually reaches the end of its lifespan (thousands of years from now) it can be recycled, further enhancing its sustainability.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its immense potential, the carbon-14 diamond battery is not without limitations. Currently, its power output is relatively low, measured in microwatts, making it unsuitable for high-energy applications. As the University of Bristol’s Professor Scott says, “The decade ahead is about improving power performance and upscaling production.”

There are also questions surrounding the scalability of the technology for widespread commercial use. For example, producing these batteries in large quantities will require further advancements in materials science and engineering.

Critics have also pointed out the need for rigorous testing to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the technology, particularly in sensitive applications like medical implants. However, given its robust design and secure encasement, the battery has thus far demonstrated excellent promise.

Future Outlook

That said, the successful creation of this carbon-14 diamond battery appears to mark a very positive and transformative step in energy innovation and sustainability. By harnessing the expertise gained from fusion energy research, the University of Bristol and UKAEA have unlocked a technology with the potential to redefine how we power devices in the most challenging environments.

What Does This Mean for Your Organisation?

The development of this carbon-14 diamond battery appears to be a remarkable innovation, promising a blend of sustainability and longevity that could transform various industries. Its potential applications, from medical devices to space exploration, highlight a future where power sources last not just years but millennia. This longevity could reduce the environmental and economic burden of frequent battery replacements, particularly in critical applications where reliability is paramount, and where distance or risk prohibits battery replacement activity, e.g., in space.

Also, the battery’s ability to repurpose nuclear waste fits nicely with global efforts to address sustainability challenges. By extracting carbon-14 from discarded graphite blocks, the technology converts a problematic by-product into a valuable energy source, demonstrating the power of circular economy principles. The recyclability of the diamond casing also adds to its eco-friendly design.

While challenges remain, particularly in scaling production and enhancing power output, the strides made so far show the ingenuity and vision of the scientific community. As this technology evolves, its promise to deliver clean, reliable, and sustainable energy could redefine how we approach powering our world.