187
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a compact battery that converts nuclear waste into electricity. The technology could help in the safe use of radioactive materials, including powering sensors in harsh environments. The prototype battery is about 4 cubic centimeters in size and works by scintillating crystals that emit light when exposed to radiation. This light is then captured by special solar cells and converted into electricity..
During testing, the scientists used two different radioactive isotopes: cesium-137 and cobalt-60. When using cesium-137, the battery produced 288 nanowatts, while the more powerful cobalt-60 allowed it to generate 1,5 microwatts — enough to power a small sensor. While these figures are far below what is needed for domestic use, the developers are confident that the battery can be scaled up to work with more powerful energy sources.
According to Professor Raymond Kao, the main goal of the development is not to replace traditional energy sources, but to create autonomous solutions for use in nuclear waste storage sites or in complex environments such as deep water and space. They can provide continuous power to sensors and monitoring systems without the need to replace batteries.
The scientists' concept still needs to be refined, but the researchers believe it is promising. If the technology can be scaled up, it could find applications in energy production and autonomous control systems operating in hazardous or inaccessible environments.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a compact battery that converts nuclear waste into electricity. The technology could help in the safe use of radioactive materials, including powering sensors in harsh environments. The prototype battery is about 4 cubic centimeters in size and works by scintillating crystals that emit light when exposed to radiation. This light is then captured by special solar cells and converted into electricity..
During testing, the scientists used two different radioactive isotopes: cesium-137 and cobalt-60. When using cesium-137, the battery produced 288 nanowatts, while the more powerful cobalt-60 allowed it to generate 1,5 microwatts — enough to power a small sensor. While these figures are far below what is needed for domestic use, the developers are confident that the battery can be scaled up to work with more powerful energy sources.
According to Professor Raymond Kao, the main goal of the development is not to replace traditional energy sources, but to create autonomous solutions for use in nuclear waste storage sites or in complex environments such as deep water and space. They can provide continuous power to sensors and monitoring systems without the need to replace batteries.
The scientists' concept still needs to be refined, but the researchers believe it is promising. If the technology can be scaled up, it could find applications in energy production and autonomous control systems operating in hazardous or inaccessible environments.
