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Researchers have created a revolutionary battery that converts energy from radioactive waste into electricity, turning a dangerous byproduct of nuclear production into a potential power source for specialized needs.
Nuclear power plants produce 18% of the electricity in the United States, according to the World Nuclear Association. Although this source does not produce carbon emissions, it does create radioactive waste that can pose a threat to the environment and remains active for thousands of years.
In an attempt to find an alternative use for this waste, a team of researchers from Ohio State University used high-density materials that emit light when exposed to radiation, known as scintillator crystals, in combination with solar cells to convert gamma rays into electrical energy.
“Nuclear waste produces powerful gamma rays, a high-energy form of radiation that can penetrate most substances,” Raymond Kao, lead author of the study published in the journal Optical Materials: X and a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State University, told Live Science in an email. “Our device uses a scintillator, a specialized material that absorbs these gamma rays and converts their energy into visible light — similar to how glow-in-the-dark objects work, but powered by radiation rather than sunlight. This light is then captured by a solar cell, similar to those found in solar panels, which converts it into electricity.”
A prototype battery measuring just 4 cubic centimeters — about the size of a teaspoon of sugar — was tested at the Ohio State Nuclear Reactor Laboratory using two radioactive sources: cesium-137 and cobalt-60. The battery produced 288 nanowatts of power when using cesium-137, and 1,500 nanowatts with the more radioactive cobalt-60 — enough to power microelectronic systems such as microchips or emergency devices.
While this output power is significantly lower than the kilowatts needed to operate a kettle, the researchers believe the technology could be scaled up to watt-level or higher applications given a suitable power source.
However, the new technology will not be used in homes – the system requires high levels of ambient radiation to function, so it would have to be disposed of in landfills. For example, the researchers suggest that the battery could be used in nuclear systems for space and deep-sea exploration, where extreme radiation levels make traditional power sources impractical.
“We do not manufacture or transport the radiation source; instead, this device is designed for locations where there is already intense gamma radiation,” Cao said. “The advantage of this approach is that the shielding materials can be replaced by a scintillator, and the light it emits can be collected and converted into electrical energy.”
However, there are several obstacles to its implementation. According to Cao, high levels of radiation gradually damage both the scintillator and the solar cell. “Further research is needed to create stronger, radiation-resistant materials to ensure the longevity of the system,” he added.
If these issues can be resolved, such long-lasting batteries could be used in hard-to-reach areas with high radiation levels and would require minimal maintenance, making them an attractive solution for energy needs.
“The nuclear battery concept is very promising,” co-author Ibrahim Oksuz said in a statement. “There is still much to improve, but I believe this approach will have an important place in both energy production and sensing in the future.”
Sourse: www.livescience.com
