Atomic batteries: Powering gadgets for 50 years, safely
Imagine a phone that could operate for half a century without ever needing a charge. While this sounds like something straight out of a science fiction movie, the Chinese company Betavolt Technology claims it is entirely possible. The key to their success lies in an innovative, safe atomic battery.
Betavolt Technology, based in Beijing, is developing a miniature atomic battery known as a betavoltaic battery. The firm’s representatives are confident that in the future, this technology will be applied in a variety of electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This groundbreaking battery is expected to enable devices to operate for up to 50 years without needing to be charged.
Phone atomic battery
The first prototype is a battery named BV100, which generates a voltage of 3 V and is extremely small — smaller than a coin. Its dimensions are approximately 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.5 cm, and it delivers 100 microwatts of energy through the decay of radioactive material. The specific solution involves the decay of a nickel isotope, making it safe as it does not emit harmful radiation or produce dangerous chemicals.
Plans indicate that by 2025, the battery's power will be increased to 1 W. According to the creators, this technology can be used in a series of configurations to adjust power levels to meet the demands of modern devices. The prototype was presented as ready for mass production, as reported by Android Central.
Is a phone with such a battery safe?
Although the concept of miniaturizing atomic energy is not new, it has not been used in consumer electronics so far due to risks associated with radioactive materials like plutonium. However, Betavolt engineers emphasize that their solution is safe because it uses a nickel isotope and a diamond semiconductor. The slow decay of nickel-63 into copper ensures stability and safety.
Thanks to its layered design, the battery is resistant to self-ignition and explosion, and it can also operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -60 to 120 degrees Celsius. This definitely surpasses the capabilities of today's batteries used in electronics.
