New Delhi: A Chinese startup, Betavolt, claims to have developed a revolutionary battery capable of powering smartphones for 50 years without recharging. This nuclear battery considered the world’s first miniaturized atomic energy system, utilizes 63 nuclear isotopes in a module smaller than a coin.
Betavolt’s innovative battery works by converting the energy from decaying isotopes into electricity. The concept, initially explored in the 20th century, has now been successfully implemented by Betavolt. The startup is currently conducting pilot tests and aims to mass-produce the battery for use in commercial applications like smartphones and drones.
In a press release, Betavolt wrote, “Betavolt atomic energy batteries can meet the needs of long-lasting power supply in multiple scenarios, such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical equipment, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots.” They believe that this energy innovation will give China a competitive advantage in the new era of AI technology.
Betavolt’s initial nuclear battery provides 100 microwatts of power with a 3V voltage, fitting into a compact 15x15x5 cubic millimetres. The company aims to manufacture a 1-watt power battery by 2025, envisioning a future where mobile phones stay charged indefinitely, and drones can operate continuously by connecting multiple units for increased power output.
Ensuring safety, Betavolt’s battery has a layered structure to prevent fire or explosion upon sudden force and can operate in temperatures ranging from -60 to 120 degrees Celsius. The revolutionary design utilizes nickel-63 as a radioactive energy source, employing diamond semiconductors for energy conversion. A thin single-crystal diamond semiconductor, only 10 microns thick, and a 2-micron-thick nickel-63 sheet between two diamond semiconductor converters enable the conversion of decay energy into electrical current.
Addressing radiation concerns, Betavolt assures users of the battery’s safety, emphasizing its applicability in medical devices within the human body, such as pacemakers and cochlear implants. After the decay period, the 63 isotopes transform into a stable, non-radioactive copper isotope, posing no environmental threat or pollution.
Betavolt’s BV100 battery stands out for its enhanced safety compared to regular batteries, as it remains secure without catching fire or exploding even under puncture or high-temperature conditions, making it a safer choice.
Scientists have long pursued the goal of miniaturizing nuclear batteries, with past attempts by the Soviet Union and the United States for spacecraft, underwater systems, and remote scientific stations. China’s 14th Five-Year Plan prioritized efforts to make nuclear batteries smaller and commercially viable, a trend also observed in research institutions in the US and Europe.
This groundbreaking technology has the potential to transform electronics by eliminating the need for chargers or portable power banks. Devices powered by these nuclear batteries could operate continuously without capacity or lifespan degradation, unlike traditional Li-ion batteries. Picture drones with uninterrupted flight, phones that never require charging, and electric cars with less frequent recharging.
Betavolt’s nuclear battery opens up a promising future, offering an unlimited power supply and revolutionizing the way we use and perceive electronic devices.
