Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed revolutionary Nuclear Diamond Batteries, which could last over 1,000 years without needing a recharge. These batteries utilize beta decay from radioactive waste to generate power. The process involves creating diamonds from radioactive methane containing Carbon-14, a byproduct of irradiated reactor graphite blocks. As the radioactive material decays, it emits beta particles that generate an electric current through semiconductors in the diamond. Although the power output is currently low and suitable for small devices, Arkenlight, a company commercializing this technology, aims to release a micro-battery for pacemakers and sensors in late 2023. This breakthrough offers a potential solution for long-term energy storage and addresses the challenge of managing nuclear waste.
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