Betavolt, a Chinese startup, has unveiled a groundbreaking nuclear battery that boasts a remarkable 50-year lifespan without the need for recharging, as reported by the Independent last week.
According to Betavolt, this energy breakthrough positions China at the forefront of the upcoming AI technological revolution. The company claims to have achieved a pioneering feat in miniaturizing atomic energy by encapsulating 63 nuclear isotopes within a module smaller than a coin.
Currently undergoing testing, the nuclear battery is slated for mass production targeting commercial applications such as smartphones and drones.
Betavolt’s inaugural nuclear battery is capable of delivering 100 microwatts of power with a voltage of 3V, all within a compact 15x15x5 cubic millimeters. However, the company envisions a future iteration producing a 1-watt power battery by 2025.
This initiative aligns with China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, aimed at bolstering the nation’s economy by 2025. Similar endeavors are also underway in research institutes in the United States and Europe.
The potential impact of this technology on electronics is revolutionary, eliminating the need for chargers or portable power banks. Devices powered by Betavolt’s nuclear battery could operate continuously without experiencing degradation in battery capacity and lifespan.
According to Betavolt, their atomic energy battery is not only safe, with no external radiation, but it is also suitable for use in medical devices such as pacemakers, artificial hearts, and cochlear implants within the human body.
Moreover, the company emphasizes the environmental friendliness of atomic energy batteries. After the decay period, the 63 isotopes transform into a stable, non-radioactive copper isotope, posing no threat or pollution to the environment.