China Creates Radioactive Battery to Keep Your Phone Charged for 50 Years

A Chinese startup, Betavolt, claims to have achieved a breakthrough in battery technology with the development of a nuclear battery that could potentially power smartphones for an astounding 50 years without needing to be charged. Unlike current batteries that pose safety risks when damaged or exposed to high temperatures, Betavolt's nuclear battery is designed to be safer, with no risk of catching fire or exploding, even in response to punctures or gunshots.

According to an article in The Independent, Betavolt's innovation involves the miniaturization of atomic energy, fitting 63 nuclear isotopes into a module smaller than a coin. The nuclear battery operates by converting the energy released from decaying isotopes into electricity, utilizing a process explored in the 20th century. This next-generation battery has already entered the pilot testing stage and aims to be mass-produced for various applications, including phones and drones.

In a press release, Betavolt highlighted the versatility of its atomic energy batteries, asserting that they could meet the demand for long-lasting power in aerospace, AI equipment, medical devices, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots. The startup sees this energy innovation as positioning China at the forefront of the AI technological revolution.

Betavolt's initial nuclear battery prototype delivers 100 microwatts of power and a voltage of 3V, measuring a mere 15x15x5 cubic millimeters. The company plans to scale up production, aiming for a battery with 1 watt of power by 2025. The small size of these batteries opens up possibilities for series use, envisioning smartphones that never require charging and drones with perpetual flight capabilities.

The battery's layered design not only enhances safety but also enables it to function in extreme temperatures ranging from -60 to 120 degrees Celsius. To create the radioactive battery, Betavolt utilizes nickel-63 as the energy source and diamond semiconductors as energy converters. The resulting advantages of these atomic energy batteries include their lightweight nature, extended service life, and high energy density.

Addressing radiation concerns, Betavolt assures that its nuclear battery is safe, lacking external radiation. The company suggests its suitability for use in medical devices within the human body, such as pacemakers and cochlea implants. Moreover, the battery's environmental impact is minimized, as the radioactive isotopes decay into a stable, non-radioactive isotope of copper.

This development marks a significant stride in battery technology, with potential implications for revolutionizing electronics. The quest to miniaturize and commercialize nuclear batteries aligns with China's economic goals under the 14th Five-Year Plan. While research institutions in the US and Europe are also working on similar developments, Betavolt's breakthrough could pave the way for electronics that run continuously without the need for chargers or portable power banks, offering the prospect of drones, phones, and electric cars with limitless, uninterrupted power.

interstate battery car battery jumper cables battery charger how to jump start a car car battery charger how to jump a battery agm battery jump starter schumacher battery charger betavolt portable jump starter battery jump starter battery charger for car portable car battery charger nuclear battery betavolt technology battery jumper how to charge a car battery everstart maxx battery tender charger cargador de bateria de carro portable car battery jumper betavolt technology stock betavolt stock