The diamond atomic battery provides electricity for thousands of years

The diamond battery uses the radioactive decay of carbon-14, which has a half-life of 5,700 years, to generate small amounts of electricity. It works in the same way as solar panels that convert light into electricity, but instead of using light particles (photons), it captures fast-moving electrons from the diamond structure, the University of Bristol reports on its website.

“Diamond batteries provide a safe, sustainable way to deliver continuous microwatt power. “It is a new technology that uses a diamond to safely capture small amounts of C-14,” explains Sarah Clark of the UKAEA.

The biocompatible diamond batteries can be used in medical devices such as eye implants, hearing aids and pacemakers. The scientists are confident this will minimize the need for replacement batteries and the burden on patients.

Can also be used in extreme environments
The diamond atomic batteries could also be used in extreme environments – such as in space and on Earth – where it does not make sense to use conventional batteries. They can also supply energy to active radio frequency (RF) tags, such as those used for anti-theft devices, it is said.

“Our micro-energy technology can support a range of important applications, from space technologies and security devices to medical implants,” says Tom Scott, a materials expert at the University of Bristol, on their website. The research will continue in the coming years with partners from industry and research.