The world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery has been developed, offering a revolutionary energy solution capable of powering devices for thousands of years.

Using advanced technology, scientists and engineers from the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Bristol have successfully created this groundbreaking battery. By leveraging the radioactive isotope carbon-14, famously used in radiocarbon dating, they have produced a diamond battery with exceptional longevity and potential.

This innovative battery harnesses carbon-14’s radioactive decay to generate power, boasting a half-life of 5,700 years. The process is akin to how solar panels convert light into electricity, but instead of photons, these batteries capture fast-moving electrons within the diamond structure. Encased in biocompatible synthetic diamonds, the technology ensures safety and sustainability.

The carbon-14 diamond battery holds transformative potential across a range of fields:

Medical Devices: Biocompatible batteries could power pacemakers, hearing aids, and ocular implants, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing patient discomfort.

Extreme Environments: These batteries are ideal for space missions and harsh terrestrial conditions where replacing traditional power sources is impractical.

Tracking and Identification: Active radio frequency (RF) tags powered by diamond batteries could be used to monitor spacecraft, payloads, or other equipment for decades, cutting costs and extending operational lifespans.

“Diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power. They are an emerging technology that uses a manufactured diamond to safely encase small amounts of carbon-14,” said Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA.

The carbon-14 diamond battery is a byproduct of UKAEA’s expertise in fusion energy research. Using a plasma deposition rig, a specialized device for growing synthetic diamonds, the team at UKAEA’s Culham Campus collaborated with University of Bristol researchers to bring this concept to life.

Professor Tom Scott, a materials expert at the University of Bristol, highlighted the versatility of this micropower technology: “Our technology can support a range of applications from space technologies and security devices to medical implants. We’re thrilled to explore these possibilities with partners in industry and research over the coming years.”

This milestone underscores the promise of fusion-related advancements in driving innovations beyond energy production, paving the way for sustainable and long-lasting power solutions.

Photo: Members of the Diamond Battery team with Plasma Deposition Rig at UKAEA - Image Credit United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority