A groundbreaking development in clean energy has taken shape! Wuxi Beita Pharmatech Co., Ltd, based in east China's Jiangsu Province, in collaboration with Northwest Normal University in northwest China's Gansu Province, has unveiled its prototype nuclear battery, dubbed Zhulong-1. ⚡
This innovative battery harnesses the power of carbon-14 (C-14), a radioactive isotope with an astonishing half-life of 5,730 years. By pairing C-14 with a silicon-carbide (SiC) semiconductor, the battery converts energy released from radioactive decay into a reliable flow of electrons, offering an ultra-long lifespan that could revolutionize portable power. 🚀
Team leader Zhang Guanghui explained that the key innovation of Zhulong-1 lies in overcoming major technical challenges, including the preparation of high-specific-activity C-14 sources and ensuring the stability and efficiency of the energy transducer devices. The company has even built a complete C-14 industry chain for labeling products and advanced technologies, setting the stage for further breakthroughs.
Imagine a battery that could power devices for thousands of years—it sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but Zhulong-1 is making that vision a bit closer to reality. This milestone energizes the clean tech sector, pointing to a future where nuclear batteries might become a key player in sustainable energy solutions. 🌟
Reference(s):
Chinese company develops nuclear battery with ultra-long lifespan
cgtn.com
