Most of us are used to charging our phones and other devices every day. But a new invention from China could change all of that. Scientists there have developed a tiny nuclear battery about the size of a coin that can last for up to 100 years without needing to be recharged. This amazing technology could change how we power everything from phones to spacecraft.
Nuclear Battery
A nuclear battery is quite different from the regular batteries we use in our devices. Instead of using chemicals to produce energy, it uses radioactive materials. These materials give off energy slowly over a long time. China’s new battery uses special elements like Nickel-63 and Carbon-14, which are types of radioactive elements.
Betavolt, a Chinese company, launched the BV100, a small nuclear battery, in January 2024. Utilizing Nickel-63 as its power source, it is capable of functioning for 50 years without the need for recharging. It’s not just an idea, this battery is already being produced and could be used in things like medical tools, airplanes, satellites, and maybe even smartphones.
At Northwest Normal University in China, another research team is creating a Carbon-14 battery that could work for up to 100 years. Although Carbon-14 is hard to find, China has already built a special reactor to produce it. This shows how serious China is about leading the way in this technology.
Importance
This battery could have a big impact. Imagine never having to charge your phone again, or sending a space probe on a mission that lasts for decades without stopping. These batteries don’t need maintenance and can work for many years, making them perfect for devices in hard-to-reach places.
Although China is at the forefront, other countries are gradually closing the gap. The United States first invented nuclear batteries in the 1950s, but concerns about safety caused the technology to be put aside. Now, American companies like City Labs are trying again. They’re developing a battery using tritium, which could last 20 years and is mainly for use in medical devices like pacemakers.
A British company called Arkenlight, based in Europe, is developing a nuclear battery that utilizes radioactive waste. Other companies in the U.S. like Kronos Advanced Technologies and Yasheng Group are also working on similar projects. Countries like South Korea and others in Europe are investing in research too, realizing that this could be the future of energy.
Looking Ahead
Nuclear batteries could change how we use energy forever. They may help reduce our need for regular charging and could power devices for decades. This could be a big step toward a cleaner and more reliable energy future.
Although China is leading for now, more countries are starting to explore this powerful technology. With continued research and support, nuclear batteries could soon become a normal part of our everyday lives—powering everything from gadgets in our pockets to spacecraft traveling across the solar system.
