A nuclear battery that fits in the palm of your hand, never needs recharging, and lasts half a century sounds like science fiction. But this technology is now a reality. Chinese company Betavolt has begun mass production of the BV100, an innovative atomic battery that could radically transform sectors like electronics, medicine, and aerospace.

Mass-Produced Nuclear Battery

Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology has achieved a milestone by announcing the mass production of the BV100—a coin-sized nuclear battery capable of providing continuous energy for 50 years with no need for recharging or maintenance. The cell operates based on the decay of the radioactive isotope nickel-63, which naturally transforms into stable copper, ensuring safe operation and minimal environmental impact.

At the heart of this nuclear battery lies a nickel-63 core just two microns thick, sandwiched between two 10-micron layers of synthetic diamond semiconductors. This architecture not only enables efficient conversion of radioactive energy into electricity, but also boasts a remarkable energy density: 3,300 milliwatt-hours per gram—ten times higher than that of lithium ternary batteries. Furthermore, it performs reliably in extreme temperatures, ranging from -60°C to 120°C, with no self-discharge, leaks, or risk of fire or explosion.

Although the current output of the BV100 is limited—only 100 microwatts at 3 volts—its modular design allows for multiple units to be connected in series or parallel to meet greater power demands. The company is already working on a one-watt version set to launch soon, promising to power drones, remote sensors, and even consumer devices without the need for external recharging.

Technological and Geopolitical Implications

The development of the BV100 has triggered a global race to dominate the emerging nuclear battery market. Betavolt is positioning itself as a rising leader in the field, having successfully integrated China’s fourth-generation diamond semiconductor technology into a nuclear battery for the first time. This achievement earned it third prize in the 2023 Innovation Contest of the China National Nuclear Corporation. The company has also registered patents both domestically and under the international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Zhang Wei, CEO of Betavolt, emphasizes that his company is currently the only one capable of producing large-sized diamond semiconductors—a competitive advantage with implications beyond the energy sector. This technological capacity could also benefit fields like supercapacitors and ultra-long carbon nanotubes, reinforcing China’s position as a pioneer on this new technological frontier.

The betavoltaic design of the BV100 marks a major leap from the bulky nuclear thermoelectric generators developed during the Cold War, which were used exclusively in space probes due to their complexity and risk. Instead, Betavolt’s battery uses beta particles emitted during nickel-63 decay, allowing for a compact, safe design adaptable to a wide range of environments and devices.

This innovation has caught the attention of several international players. In the U.S., companies like City Labs, Kronos Advanced Technologies, and Yasheng Group are exploring similar solutions. City Labs, in particular, received funding from the National Institutes of Health to develop tritium-based betavoltaic batteries for pacemakers and artificial hearts. In the UK, Arkenlight is also developing nuclear cells using carbon-14. Meanwhile, China’s Northwest Normal University is researching the application of rare isotopes in the design of long-lasting batteries.

Potential Applications: From Space to the Human Body

The longevity, compactness, and safety of nuclear batteries unlock possibilities that seemed unthinkable until recently. Betavolt lists a wide array of potential uses: from aerospace systems to microrobots, artificial intelligence devices, hard-to-reach sensors, and implantable medical equipment. In a world where limited battery life remains a barrier to technological progress, this innovation offers a way to liberate countless devices from the burden of regular recharging.

Moreover, in the context of a global energy transition, compact nuclear batteries could offer a viable alternative where other technologies fall short. Whether in extreme conditions, remote locations, or systems requiring uninterrupted operation for decades, these cells could herald a new era in energy storage.

The promise of autonomous drones that never need to land for charging, seabed sensors, or deep space stations equipped with fingernail-sized batteries no longer seems far-fetched. This paradigm shift could impact the development of IoT networks, environmental monitoring, wearable tech, and space exploration.

Clearly, not everything is rosy. Experts like Juan Claudio Nino, a materials scientist at the University of Florida, remain skeptical. The small size of the nuclear battery indicates it contains very little radioisotope and generates just 0.01% of the electricity typically required.

“It’s certainly within the range of a pacemaker or perhaps a passive wireless sensor. But in its current form, it simply doesn’t have enough energy to power a cellphone,” he explains.

Betavolt’s BV100 nuclear battery marks the dawn of a new era in energy technology. With 50 years of autonomy in an ultra-compact format, this innovation not only challenges the limitations of conventional batteries but also redefines what is possible across multiple industries. The global race to master this technology is now underway—and its implications could last as long as the lifespan of these atomic cells themselves.

Referencia:

• LiveScience/This tiny radioactive battery can last 50 years without recharging — and it’s coming in 2025. Link

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