Chinese specialists have developed a prototype of a nuclear battery based on carbon-14 (C-14) with an ultra-long service life. The new technology allows generating electricity through radioactive decay of isotopes, according to
Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

As explained by Zhang Guanghui, one of the scientists, the innovative solution was the use of C-14 combined with a silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor. During the decay of the isotope, beta particles are released, which interact with the semiconductor and create a constant flow of electrons. The half-life of C-14 is 5,730 years.

In addition, the battery is able to function in extreme conditions at temperatures ranging from -100 to +200 degrees Celsius, and its energy capacity is 10 times higher than that of lithium-ion batteries. The tests also showed that the battery can keep devices running for 50 years without recharging. During the experiments, the development successfully powered an LED and a Bluetooth chip, ensuring uninterrupted data transfer.

According to experts, such batteries will open new prospects in the field of medicine, the Internet of Things and space research. In particular, they can be used to power pacemakers, sensors in remote areas, as well as to provide energy to automatic systems on the ocean floor, the Moon, Mars, and Antarctica.

The publication notes that engineers are already working on the second generation of the device, which will be characterised by smaller size and more affordable production costs. It is expected that the new version of the battery will be presented at the end of the year.

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