A recent report from the University of Bristol UK caught my attention and it astonished me! What would you think is the possibility of producing and deploying for widespread use, batteries that would last 5,700 years without needing to be recharged?
Scientists from the University were able to combine Carbon-14 (radioactive isotope of carbon) with a synthetically (not natural) produced diamond. The result was a 5,700 year capable battery.
There are, however, some issues that need to be resolved before you’ll be able to purchase them at the local hardware store.
The main ingredient is radioactive though at highly diminished levels. That diminished level allows it to naturally decay at its own pace which is estimated to be 5,700 years.
That radioactive product comes from what is called “leftover reactor graphite.” The diamond shell holds the radioactive material inside, thus shielding it from causing harmful health issues to the user.
The scientists determined that the most immediate use would be ideal for medical implants such as pacemakers (which need recharging on a regular basis or replaced entirely over time), sensors for communication beacons and space probes. Also, by manufacturing the battery with radioactive waste, it could become a partial solution of making it inert and thus easier to dispose of safely..
Another concern is how to reduce the cost to produce. Making synthetic diamonds and extracting Carbon-14 and combing the two, is very expensive.
There is also the perception that once the word “radioactive” is mentioned, most people would be very reluctant to have anything to do with it. That being said, the scientists are barreling ahead at lightning speed to perfect its use.
By the way, though not currently practical for use in electric powered vehicles, the time may be closer than you think that a 5,700 year non-rechargeable battery will be safely and efficiently encased in your next generation electric vehicle! Wow!
