Researchers in China have unveiled a groundbreaking nuclear-powered battery that could transform the future of energy storage.
Developed by a team at Soochow University in Suzhou (China), this innovative battery harnesses the decay of americium, a radioactive element, to generate electricity with remarkable efficiency, potentially lasting for decades. The results of the study were published earlier this month in the journal Nature.
8000x efficiency
The new battery design developed by Shuao Wang and his team reportedly achieves a staggering increase in efficiency—up to 8,000 times greater than earlier models. By embedding americium, typically considered nuclear waste, into a polymer crystal, the researchers transformed alpha particles released during decay into a stable, sustained green glow.
“Contrary to chemical batteries,” the authors wrote in the study, “the longevity of a micronuclear battery is tied to the half-life of the used radioisotope, enabling operational lifetimes that can span several decades. Furthermore, the radioactive decay remains unaffected by environmental factors such as temperature, pressure and magnetic fields, making the micronuclear battery an enduring and reliable power source in scenarios in which conventional batteries prove impractical or challenging to replace.”
This innovative battery marks a significant leap forward in energy generation, potentially lasting for decades—an appealing feature for applications in space exploration and remote marine operations. This advancement also showcases China’s growing prowess in nuclear technology.
The concept of using radioactive atoms for long-lasting, damage-resistant batteries has been pursued since the early 1900s. While previous prototypes existed, they struggled with efficiency.
How it works
Americium emits energy in the form of alpha particles, which can quickly lose their energy to the surrounding environment. However, Wang and his colleagues ingeniously integrated this radioactive element into a polymer crystal and coupled it with a thin photovoltaic cell. This setup effectively converts the emitted light into electricity, creating a tiny nuclear battery that fits inside a millimeter-sized quartz cell.
Over 200 hours of rigorous testing, the device demonstrated a stable supply of electricity at a relatively high energy output. Remarkably, it requires only minimal amounts of radioactive material to function. With americium’s half-life clocking in at 7,380 years, the nuclear battery is projected to operate for several decades before its components succumb to radiation damage.
The need for small, long-lasting energy solutions has fueled widespread interest in nuclear batteries. This new design capitalizes on the unique properties of americium isotopes, specifically 241Am and 243Am, which offer operational lifetimes extending over several decades.
New battery could be used for Space and Sea exploration
Unlike traditional lithium batteries, which often require frequent replacement, this micronuclear power source could provide a reliable alternative in various applications, from medical devices to space missions.
“Ideally, we envision our micronuclear battery being used to power miniature sensors in remote or challenging environments where traditional power sources are impractical, like deep-sea exploration, space missions or remote monitoring stations,” Shuou Wang, senior author of the study, told New Scientist.
The potential applications of these micronuclear batteries are particularly exciting for space and sea exploration as well as clean energy alternatives. Traditional power sources often fall short in extreme environments where reliability and longevity are paramount. These new batteries could power satellites, deep-space probes, and underwater drones for extended periods without the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.
Their compact design and long lifespan make them ideal for missions that demand resilience in harsh conditions, ultimately paving the way for deeper exploration of both outer space and the ocean’s depths.
