University of Bristol Develops 5,700-Year Diamond Nuclear Battery Prototype
A prototype diamond nuclear battery developed by the University of Bristol and UKAEA can operate for 5,700 years. This innovation transforms nuclear waste into a long-lasting energy source, with applications in medical implants and remote monitoring.

Researchers have created a diamond nuclear battery using carbon-14, which has a half-life of about 5,700 years, allowing it to retain half of its power after six millennia. The battery generates microwatt-level energy through the radioactive decay of carbon-14, capturing emitted electrons with a synthetic diamond semiconductor.
This technology repurposes radioactive graphite from decommissioned reactors, reducing nuclear waste hazards while providing a sustainable energy source. Potential applications include medical devices, deep-space probes, and remote monitoring systems. The prototype is under development, focusing on commercial partnerships and regulatory processes for market introduction.




Comments