A Nuclear Nano-Diamond Battery, that Lasts For 28,000 Years

Electrical Technology

Nuclear Nano-Diamond based Self charging Batteries with Life Span up to 28,000 Years

NDB, a California-based company, has developed a revolutionary battery that could change the way we power devices. The company has created a Nano-Diamond Battery (NDB) that could last up to 28,000 years without needing a recharge. This battery uses nuclear waste to generate energy, making it not only powerful but also environmentally sustainable.

The company claims that their Nano-Diamond batteries have the potential to self-charge and last for decades. They have plan to introduce these batteries in AA, AAA, 18650, 2170 and other custom-sized shapes. This means smartwatches and phones could operate without ever needing to be charged – permanently.

These batteries are created by transforming radioactive carbon-14, found in nuclear wastes, into energy-producing diamonds. NDB uses graphite, which is rich in the carbon-14 radioisotope, to purify and create tiny diamonds. The carbon-14-based diamond structure acts as a semiconductor and heat sink, collecting the charge and transporting it out efficiently.

Related Post: China’s Betavolt Developed a Nuclear Battery with a 50-Year Lifespan

What is a Nuclear Nano-Diamond Battery?

A Nuclear Nano-Diamond Battery (NDB) is an advanced type of battery that generates energy from nuclear waste. It utilizes carbon-14, a radioactive isotope, which is encapsulated in synthetic diamonds. These diamonds act as semiconductors, converting the radiation emitted by the carbon-14 into electricity. The NDB is designed to be incredibly long-lasting, offering a self-sustaining energy source. It is safe to use, as the diamond shell contains the radiation, making it ideal for applications in electronics, medical devices, and even space exploration.

Features of the NDB

According to the company claims:

It will offer higher power density than lithium-ion.
It will blow any energy density comparison out of the water.
They are indestructible and safe during car crash.
They are cheaper than current lithium-ion in EVs

How the Nano-Diamond Battery Works?

The Nano-Diamond Battery operates on a principle of converting nuclear waste into usable energy. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how it works:

Radioactive Material as Fuel

- The core of the battery contains radioactive isotopes, often byproducts of nuclear reactors.
- NDB uses carbon-14, a radioactive isotope found in nuclear waste, as a key element.

Diamond Layering

- Surrounding the radioactive core is a layer of synthetic diamonds.
- Diamonds act as semiconductors, converting radiation into electrical energy through a process called beta decay.

Energy Harvesting

- The beta decay from the radioactive material generates electrons.
- These electrons are captured by the diamond semiconductor, creating a constant electrical current.

Safe Containment

- The diamond coating absorbs harmful radiation, preventing any leaks.
- NDB ensures the battery remains safe for use in everyday devices by shielding users from radiation.

Future Applications of NDBs

NDB plans to scale the technology for a wide range of uses. These include:

Smartphones and Laptops: Imagine devices that never run out of power, no matter how long you use them.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): NDB could eliminate the need for frequent charging, revolutionizing the EV industry.
Medical Devices: Pacemakers and other life-critical devices could run indefinitely, reducing the need for surgeries to replace batteries.
Space Exploration: With a virtually infinite power source, spacecraft could operate on long-duration missions without energy concerns.

Challenges Ahead

While the potential for Nano-Diamond Batteries is immense, a few challenges remain:

Cost: The production of synthetic diamonds and the use of radioactive materials may drive up costs initially.
Regulatory Approval: Due to the use of nuclear material, regulatory hurdles could slow widespread adoption.
Public Perception: Convincing consumers that these batteries are safe, despite their nuclear origins, may be a hurdle.

Since each battery cell can generate and store only a small amount of energy, multiple cells must be combined to power larger devices and appliances. This increases both the initial cost and the complexity of the overall design.

For safety, the carbon-14 diamond is enclosed in a second layer of protective diamonds, making these batteries not only highly efficient but also secure.

These self-charging batteries could revolutionize industries, from electric vehicles to personal electronics. Neel Naicker of NDB’s claims in 2020, “the battery (think of iPhone battery) will charge itself from 0 to full and yes, it doesn’t need to recharge forever. In addition, the batteries emit less radiation than the human body, ensuring they are safe for everyday use. That’s what we’re able and going to do with this technology in the near future.”

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