This could be one of the coolest discoveries we have encountered. Nuclear reactors utilize graphite blocks as moderators to slow down the speed of neutrons. However, a radioactive isotope known as carbon-14 is produced during this process. Researchers from the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have harnessed this carbon-14 to generate power for thousands of years.
They use what they call a diamond battery, which consists of carbon-14 encapsulated in a diamond. Now, carbon-14 is radioactive, which means that it undergoes beta decay. This means that carbon-14 loses energy by releasing an electron, which can then be harnessed to generate energy. This energy is essentially radiation energy. The electrons released are known as beta particles. When the beta particles hit the diamond, they are absorbed by the diamond, and their energy is then converted into electricity. This process is similar to how solar panels convert light into electricity but uses radiation instead of sunlight.
One significant advantage of this technology is its longevity. Carbon-14 has a half-life of approximately 5,700 years, meaning the battery could provide a steady power output for millennia. This makes it particularly suitable for applications where replacing or recharging batteries is impractical, such as medical devices like pacemakers, space exploration equipment, and remote monitoring systems. Professor Tom Scott, a materials scientist at the University of Bristol, highlighted the potential of diamond batteries in extreme environments: “Diamond batteries will be useful in extreme environments like space, where it is not practical to replace conventional batteries.”
The development of diamond batteries also offers a promising method for managing nuclear waste. By extracting carbon-14 from graphite blocks, which are abundant in decommissioned nuclear reactors, the process reduces the radioactivity of the remaining material, simplifying its disposal. This approach provides a sustainable energy source and addresses environmental concerns associated with nuclear waste storage.
While each diamond battery’s power output is relatively low, its ability to provide a consistent energy supply over extended periods opens up numerous possibilities. For instance, in medical implants, these batteries could eliminate the need for surgical procedures to replace power sources. In space missions, they could ensure the long-term operation of instruments without the need for maintenance. The commercialization of this technology is underway. Arkenlight, a company spun out from the University of Bristol, is working to bring diamond batteries to the market. In September 2024, Arkenlight announced the successful creation of a carbon-14 diamond, marking a significant step toward practical applications of this innovation.
Despite the diamond battery’s promising aspects, there are challenges to address. The first is that the devices’ current power output is low, so they cannot be used in situations where a large amount of energy is needed. This means that the list of possible use cases is significantly shortened, as we must look for applications that require minimal energy. Additionally, two factors need to be considered as the technology advances. One is the cost of production. As with any new invention, the cost of producing the batteries is high, and this limits their practicality in many contexts.
The second issue is the scarcity of carbon-14. Carbon-14 is the basis of these batteries, which is good as it’s plentiful and found in all organic things. While the carbon-14 used for dating is not the same as carbon-14 found in organic materials, carbon-14 itself is the basis of the battery. It must be extracted from the organic materials, which is an extra step in the process. Since carbon-14 is naturally rare, the production process is more complex than most other batteries.
Diamond batteries represent an innovative development that beautifully combines nuclear waste management and energy production. With the ability to deliver sustainable and long-lasting energy, they have the potential to create an impact across a wide range of sectors. This includes aerospace, which could utilize these batteries to power rovers and other equipment on missions to far-flung corners of the solar system. There is also a chance for major applications in medical devices and even remote power systems. This technology, then, has the potential to be game-changing across many fields, from helping scientists study the deep ocean to delivering energy to rural villages without access to the electric grid. The batteries can also help promote sustainable practices for managing nuclear materials, which is an added benefit.
