The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) reported last week that its scientists and engineers along with the University of Bristol have successfully created the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery.
A battery of this type has the potential to provide power for thousands of years, making it a very convenient and long-lasting energy source.
According to Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, “Diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power. They are an emerging technology that use a manufactured diamond to safely encase small amounts of carbon-14.”
As the battery only produces low levels of power, it’s not going to be found in your smartphone anytime soon. However, it could provide significant benefits in medical situations. For instance, ocular implants, hearing aids, and pacemakers may be able to make use of bio-compatible diamonds, which would minimise the need for replacing these devices and lessen distress to patients.
It could also have applications in extreme environments where replacing conventional batteries is not practical.
