China: Betavolt New Energy Technology, a China-based company, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully developing a nuclear energy battery, also known as a radioisotope battery. This groundbreaking technology integrates nickel-63 nuclear isotope decay and features China’s first diamond semiconductor module, categorized as a 4th generation semiconductor.
According to Betavolt, these atomic energy batteries boast exceptional stability, capable of self-generating for an impressive 50-year lifespan without the need for maintenance. Currently in the pilot stage, these batteries are poised to enter mass production for market availability.
Designed to cater to diverse power supply needs, Betavolt’s atomic energy batteries find applications in aerospace, AI equipment, medical devices, MEMS systems, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots.
The fundamental process involves the conversion of energy released by nuclear isotope decay into electrical energy through a semiconductor converter. This field of technology harkens back to the 1960s when both the United States and the Soviet Union focused on nuclear batteries. Notably, existing aerospace applications rely on thermoelectric nuclear batteries, specifically radioisotope thermoelectric generators. However, these batteries suffer from limitations such as large volume and weight, high internal temperatures, costliness, and unsuitability for civilian applications. Betavolt’s achievement opens new avenues for efficient and practical use of nuclear energy in various sectors.