World's First Diamond Battery Could Last Thousands of Years

A battery made of diamonds could power devices for thousands of years, scientists have announced. This battery would be powered by a diamond surrounding a radioactive isotope of carbon known as carbon-14. The device would be able to provide power for far longer than modern batteries can, allowing them to be used in medical devices and even in extreme environments like outer space. "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," said Sarah Clark, the director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), in a statement.

This strange new battery, developed by scientists from the UKAEA and Britain's University of Bristol, works by using the radioactive decay of the carbon-14 isotope contained within a diamond. Isotopes are variants of a chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. Some isotopes are stable, while others are radioactive and decay over time, emitting radiation. Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon, meaning that it undergoes beta decay, releasing electrons. The diamond battery works by converting that radioactive decay into electricity through a process called the betavoltaic effect, which is similar to the way that light is converted into electricity in solar panels. Carbon-14 has a half-life of about 5,730 years, meaning the battery can theoretically last thousands of years, with diminishing output over time. The hope is that these batteries could be used in medical devices requiring long-term energy without recharging or replacement, such as ocular implants, hearing aids and pacemakers, as well as in spacecraft and satellites or remote sensors where maintenance is impractical. Tom Scott, a professor in materials at the University of Bristol, said in the statement: "Our micropower technology can support a whole range of important applications from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants. We're excited to be able to explore all of these possibilities, working with partners in industry and research, over the next few years." The diamond's structure would also contain the radiation from the decay, ensuring safety for humans and the environment. Neil Fox of the University of Bristol's School of Chemistry said in a previous statement: "Carbon-14 was chosen as a source material because it emits a short-range radiation, which is quickly absorbed by any solid material. This would make it dangerous to ingest or touch with your naked skin, but safely held within diamond, no short-range radiation can escape." He added: "In fact, diamond is the hardest substance known to man, there is literally nothing we could use that could offer more protection." Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about batteries? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.