The Chinese company Betavolt said that such technology is no longer science fiction: their miniature BV100 nuclear battery has entered mass production. It is capable of generating energy for 50 years without recharging and maintenance.
BV100 is powered by the isotope nickel-63, which eventually decays into safe copper. The energy from the decay is converted into electricity using the thinnest diamond semiconductors. The output is still modest - 100 microwatts at 3 volts, but this is enough to power microscopic sensors, autonomous devices and equipment operating in extreme conditions.
By the end of the year, Betavolt promises to release a 1-watt battery, which is already enough, for example, for gadgets, medical devices or drones capable of flying for months without recharging.
The battery does not heat up, does not burn, does not explode and works in any conditions — from -60 to +120 °C.
The technology could completely change the way we approach autonomous devices, robotics, aviation, and even medicine, from pacemakers to microchips, ecosphere.press reports.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
