Scientists develop battery that converts nuclear waste into electrical energy
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 26, 2025
A analysis group has unveiled a novel battery able to harnessing nuclear power by means of gentle emissions, doubtlessly providing a brand new method to convert radioactive waste into electrical energy.
Nuclear energy contributes roughly 20% of the USA’ electrical energy whereas producing minimal greenhouse fuel emissions. Nonetheless, a significant problem remains-the manufacturing of radioactive waste, which poses environmental and well being hazards. Safely managing and repurposing this waste is a important concern.
Led by scientists at The Ohio State College, the analysis group developed a system integrating scintillator crystals-materials that emit gentle upon absorbing radiation-with photo voltaic cells. This mixture permits the gathering of ambient gamma radiation to supply electrical energy, demonstrating potential functions for microelectronics reminiscent of microchips.
The prototype battery, measuring simply 4 cubic centimeters, was examined utilizing two frequent radioactive isotopes: cesium-137 and cobalt-60. These isotopes are among the many main fission byproducts from spent nuclear gas. Performed at Ohio State’s Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, the experiments confirmed promising outcomes. When uncovered to cesium-137, the battery produced 288 nanowatts of energy, whereas cobalt-60, a considerably stronger isotope, yielded 1.5 microwatts-enough to activate a small sensor.
Whereas typical family and digital gadgets require energy measured in kilowatts, the researchers imagine their strategy might be scaled as much as attain watt-level functions. “With the appropriate energy supply, this know-how has the potential to realize important power outputs,” mentioned Raymond Cao, the research’s lead creator and a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State.
Revealed within the journal Optical Supplies: X, the research highlights potential functions for these batteries in environments the place nuclear waste is current, reminiscent of storage swimming pools and specialised programs for house or deep-sea exploration. These batteries will not be meant for shopper use. Regardless of using gamma radiation, which is way extra penetrating than standard X-rays or CT scans, the battery itself incorporates no radioactive supplies, making it secure to deal with.
“We’re taking what’s historically seen as waste and remodeling it into one thing worthwhile,” defined Cao, who additionally directs Ohio State’s Nuclear Reactor Laboratory.
The research additionally means that the battery’s energy output was influenced by the precise sort of scintillator crystal used. The researchers found that elements such because the crystal’s form, measurement, and quantity instantly impacted its means to soak up radiation and convert power into gentle, subsequently enhancing the photo voltaic cell’s effectivity in producing electrical energy.
“These outcomes mark a major breakthrough by way of energy output,” mentioned Ibrahim Oksuz, co-author and analysis affiliate in mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State. “This two-step power conversion course of continues to be in its early levels, however the subsequent part of analysis will deal with scaling up the know-how to generate energy within the watt vary.”
Since these batteries would primarily be utilized in environments with excessive radiation ranges and restricted human entry, their design eliminates the necessity for routine upkeep and prevents further environmental contamination.
Nonetheless, Cao famous that mass manufacturing of such batteries might be pricey, requiring additional analysis to find out their feasibility and longevity. Oksuz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that continued exploration is critical to refine the know-how’s sensible functions.
“The idea of a nuclear battery holds nice promise,” Oksuz mentioned. “Whereas there’s nonetheless room for enchancment, I imagine this know-how may play a key function in power manufacturing and sensor know-how sooner or later.”
The research was supported by the U.S. Division of Power’s Nationwide Nuclear Safety Administration and the Workplace of Power Effectivity and Renewable Power. Extra contributors embody Sabin Neupane and Yanfa Yan from The College of Toledo.
Analysis Report:Scintillator based nuclear photovoltaic batteries for power generation at microwatts level
Associated Hyperlinks
Ohio State University
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
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