It is suitable for smartphones that never need to be charged. At least 50 years exactly
Chinese startup Betavolt has unveiled what it claims is the world's first miniature nuclear battery. Mini battery with dimensions 15 × 15 × 5 mm (smaller than a coin) contains the radioactive isotope nickel-63 and is capable of operating for 50 years without the need for recharging or any maintenance. The creators of the development claim that such a battery is absolutely safe, has absolutely no external radiation, and after a period of decay, the nickel isotope turns into a stable and non-radioactive isotope of copper, which does not pose a threat to the environment. < /p>
The power of the Betavolt nuclear battery at this stage is 100 microwatts, and the voltage is — 3 Volts. By 2025, the company plans to increase the power of such a battery to 1 Watt. According to Betavolt, the development can be used in mobile phones (they never have to be charged!), robots, drones, any equipment with artificial intelligence, medical devices such as pacemakers, sensors for various purposes, etc. The battery will not catch fire or explode even with a sudden strong impact, as the company promises, and its operating temperature range ranges from −60 to 120°C.
The nuclear battery is already being tested and will be ready for mass production and use in commercial products in the future. True, specific terms, as well as the cost, have not yet been announced. It is worth noting that a duty cycle of 50 years is excessive for regular smartphones, which the user replaces every few years. It is also not yet clear whether anyone will want to have a “pocket nuclear reactor” with them, despite assurances of its complete safety.