China Develops First Carbon-14 Nuclear Battery “Zhulong”
China has developed its first carbon-14 nuclear battery called “Zhulong,” a result of collaboration between Northwest Normal University and Wuxi Beita Pharmatech. The battery utilizes carbon-14 decay to generate electricity and boasts a lifespan of over a century. It shows promise for applications in deep-sea and polar explorations as well as medical devices.
Researchers in China have achieved a significant breakthrough by developing the nation’s first carbon-14 nuclear battery, a pioneering advancement in micro-nuclear battery technology. The announcement, made by Northwest Normal University in Lanzhou, Gansu province, identifies a collaborative effort with Wuxi Beita Pharmatech, a private nuclear medicine firm based in Jiangsu province, to create a model using silicon-carbide semiconductors.
This nuclear battery, named “Zhulong,” draws its energy from the decay of carbon-14, a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 5,730 years. As the carbon-14 decays, it emits beta particles that activate the silicon-carbide semiconductor, generating a consistent flow of electricity. The battery is designed to function effectively for a century, making it ideal for energy supply in polar and deep-sea explorations, as well as in aircraft and spacecraft applications.
The battery boasts full intellectual property for its core materials and energy conversion components, with zero emissions. The device demonstrates a short-circuit current of 282 nanoamps, an open-circuit voltage of 2.1 volts, and a maximum output power of 433 nanowatts with an energy conversion efficiency of eight percent. It has successfully powered a Bluetooth radio-frequency chip and an LED light for nearly four months, generating over 35,000 pulse flashes.
Leveraging carbon-14’s vast half-life, the battery posits a theoretical service life extending for millennia and maintains operational integrity under extreme temperatures ranging from -100°C to 200°C, with energy density surpassing that of commercial lithium-ion batteries.
Professor Su Maogen, head of the research team at Northwest Normal University, affirmed the device’s potential for serving as permanent energy sources in medical implants, sensors in the Internet of Things, as well as for exploration missions related to polar regions, the Moon, and Mars. The team is currently in collaboration with Wuxi Beta Pharmatech to develop a second-generation prototype, “Zhulong 2,” which will feature fully enclosed C-14 micro-nuclear cells, with testing scheduled to commence by year-end.
In conclusion, the development of the “Zhulong” carbon-14 nuclear battery marks a commendable milestone in energy technology. Its longevity, efficiency, and environmental benefits position it as a potential cornerstone for future applications in various fields, particularly in exploration and medical technology. This innovation not only emphasizes China’s progress in nuclear energy research but also highlights the collaborative efforts fostering futuristic advancements in sustainable power solutions.
Original Source: www.nationthailand.com
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