Betavolt New Energy Technology, a Chinese company, has introduced an innovative modular nuclear battery that leverages a combination of the nickel-63 (⁶³Ni) radioactive isotope and a 4th-generation diamond semiconductor. This advanced battery, known as the BV100, has the potential to power devices for up to 50 years.
While the concept of nuclear batteries might seem cutting-edge, they’ve actually existed in various forms since the early 1950s. Historically, these batteries have typically been radio-thermal generators, which convert the heat from decaying radioactive elements into electricity using thermocouples or Stirling engines.
A significant advancement occurred in 2016 with the introduction of a new principle utilizing diamond layers doped with radioactive isotopes. The initial attempt involved carbon-14 (¹⁴C). The core idea is to select an isotope that emits Beta (β⁻) particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons. The diamond matrix serves as a semiconductor to generate an electric current when these particles are released.
The BV100 battery by Betavolt builds on this concept. It features two single-crystal diamond semiconductor layers, each 10 microns thick, sandwiching a 2-micron layer of ⁶³Ni. This configuration can generate current, and multiple such units can be stacked or linked together, akin to traditional voltaic cells, to form hundreds of independent modules that collectively enhance the current.
To ensure safety, the BV100 is encased in a protective shell that guards against radiation exposure and physical damage. The battery is capable of producing 100 microwatts at 3 volts and measures a compact 15 x 15 x 5 mm. Betavolt envisions a future where such batteries could power mobile phones indefinitely or keep small drones airborne continuously.
Currently in pilot production, Betavolt aims for mass production of the BV100. A larger, one-watt version is anticipated to debut in 2025. The BV100 boasts an energy density ten times greater than that of lithium batteries and is not susceptible to fires or explosions. Unlike conventional batteries, which store energy through chemical reactions and require recharging cycles, the BV100 generates electricity directly. As the ⁶³Ni decays, it transforms into non-radioactive copper, posing minimal environmental risk.
Betavolt’s BV100 represents a significant leap forward in battery technology, promising long-lasting, reliable, and safe power sources for a variety of applications.
