Scientists Develop New Nuclear Battery Using Americium Element, Millimeter-Sized, and Providing Stable Power.
Since the early 1900s, researchers have sought to harness radioactive atoms to create batteries with superior longevity and durability. Several prototypes have been assembled, even used in space missions, but with limited effectiveness. In a recent study published in the journal Nature on September 18, expert Shuao Wang from Dongwu University, China, and his colleagues increased the efficiency of the nuclear battery design by 8,000 times.
Americium-containing luminescent crystal in bright environment (top) and dark environment (bottom). (Image: Kai Li/New Scientist).
Initially, the research team used a small sample of americium, typically considered as nuclear waste. It emits energy in the form of alpha particles, which carry substantial energy but quickly dissipate into the surrounding environment. Therefore, the experts encapsulated americium in a polymer crystal to convert this energy into continuous and stable blue light.
Next, they combined the luminescent americium crystal with a thin photovoltaic panel. Finally, they packaged this tiny nuclear battery into a millimeter-sized quartz plate.
Wang noted that over more than 200 hours of testing, the device provided stable power with relatively high energy and unprecedented efficiency. It also requires a minimal amount of radioactive material to operate. Although americium has a half-life of 7,380 years, the nuclear battery is expected to function for several decades, as surrounding components will gradually be damaged by radiation.
The new battery shows significantly improved overall conversion efficiency and output power compared to previous designs, according to researcher Michael Spencer from Morgan State University, Maryland. However, it still generates much less energy than traditional devices. For instance, it would take 40 billion of these batteries to power a 60-watt light bulb.
The research team is continuing to explore ways to enhance the efficiency and output power of this new battery. They also aim to make the battery easier to use and safer, given that it contains radioactive materials that could pose risks.
“We envision our tiny nuclear battery being used to power small sensors in remote or harsh environments where traditional power supplies cannot function, such as deep underwater, in space missions, or remote monitoring stations,” Wang stated.
