Next-gen nuclear battery with perovskite can offer decades of power

A research team at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), South Korea, has achieved a 56,000-fold increase in electron mobility by developing a novel betavoltaic cell that integrates a perovskite absorber layer with a radioactive isotope electrode.

This marks the creation of the world’s first next-generation betavoltaic cell, which promises stable, high-efficiency power generation for decades without recharging. 

“This research marks the world’s first demonstration of the practical viability of betavoltaic cells,” said Professor Su-Il In, who led the team.

Direct connection enhances performance

The research team directly connected a radioactive isotope electrode to a perovskite absorber layer. 

By embedding carbon-14-based quantum dots within the electrode and meticulously enhancing the perovskite absorber layer’s crystallinity, they successfully achieved both stable power output and significantly improved energy conversion efficiency.

“By utilizing chlorine-based dual additives with perovskite film and radioactive isotopes of carbon nanoparticle/quantum dot electrodes, we enhanced the phase stability and power conversion efficiency of the betavoltaic device,” added the researchers in a new study.

This breakthrough can be highly beneficial for critical applications, such as military operations and space explorations, where energy demand remains high.

“We plan to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation power supply technologies for extreme environments and pursue further miniaturization and technology transfer,” added the professor.

Addressing limitations of conventional batteries

The development addresses a growing need for power solutions that overcome the limitations of current batteries, such as lithium- and nickel-based types, which suffer from short lifespans and vulnerability in extreme conditions like heat and moisture.

“In recent years, the development of long-lasting and efficient energy sources to meet the changing energy requirements has become a matter of importance,” remarked the researchers.

“Betavoltaic cells have emerged as a promising solution due to their ability to utilize radioisotopes as their energy source. They stand out for their remarkable longevity and high energy density, making them ideal for powering devices in remote or harsh environments where replacement or maintenance of the device is impractical.”

However, the practical development of this technology has been hampered by the complexities of handling radioactive materials and ensuring the long-term stability of the cell components.

The research team tackled these issues by integrating the carbon-14 isotope with the robust and efficient perovskite layer.

“This study represents the first successful integration of perovskite into a betavoltaic cell, pioneering perovskite betavoltaic cells (PBCs),” highlighted the study.

Significant performance gains demonstrated

The resulting betavoltaic cell not only demonstrated the massive increase in electron mobility but also maintained stable power output for up to nine hours of continuous operation. 

This dramatic increase in efficiency, which is evidenced by the 56,000-fold gain in electron mobility and stable power output over extended periods, signifies a major step forward in overcoming the traditional limitations of betavoltaic technology.

“These results mark a considerable advancement in the field and provide a promising pathway toward the practical application of perovskite betavoltaic cells for energy generation in harsh environments where long-term, stable power is critical,” concluded the study.