A groundbreaking invention emerging from the UK is bringing a delightful twist to battery technology by incorporating diamonds for the very first time. This innovative battery, developed through a collaboration between the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), holds the promise of lasting thousands of years, making it an ideal power source for devices in situations where changing batteries is not practical.

At the heart of this remarkable battery is a radioactive isotope of carbon, known as carbon-14. While isotopes are variations of chemical elements that share the same number of protons, they can differ in the number of neutrons. Some isotopes are stable, while others, like carbon-14, are radioactive and emit radiation as they naturally decay.

This battery ingeniously encases the radioactive carbon-14 within a diamond shell, the hardest material on Earth. Sarah Clark, the director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, shares her enthusiasm, stating, “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.”

The battery generates electricity through a process akin to that of solar panels, utilizing the betavoltaic effect to capture electrons emitted by carbon-14 within the diamond structure. With a half-life of approximately 5,700 years, this technology ensures that the battery will run for thousands of years before it requires attention. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for spacecraft and satellites, which are often difficult to maintain, as well as for medical devices like pacemakers that need to remain implanted without interruption.

Excitingly, Professor Tom Scott from the University of Bristol mentions, “Our micropower technology can support a whole range of important applications from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants.” He expresses eagerness to explore the myriad possibilities that lie ahead as they partner with industry and research collaborators in the coming years.

This innovative approach truly redefines the saying that diamonds are forever, showcasing their potential to illuminate the future of battery technology.