Focus on the BIG picture.
Sunday, Mar 16, 2025

China Introduces 'Zhulong' C-14 Nuclear Battery with an Estimated Lifespan of 5,730 Years

A significant advancement in micro-nuclear technology provides sustainable energy solutions for a range of applications.
Chinese researchers have introduced 'Zhulong,' the first carbon-14 nuclear battery developed in the country.

This innovative battery, created by Northwest Normal University in Lanzhou and Wuxi Beita Pharmatech in Jiangsu, harnesses the decay of carbon-14—a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 5,730 years—to produce electricity.

It functions by capturing beta particles released during the decay of carbon-14 within a silicon-carbide semiconductor, leading to a continuous flow of electrons.

Such a design promises a potentially lengthy operational life, making it ideal for uses in polar and deep-sea exploration, as well as in aerospace missions.

The battery has shown a short-circuit current of 282 nanoamperes, an open-circuit voltage of 2.1 volts, and a maximum output power of 433 nanowatts, achieving an energy conversion efficiency of 8 percent.

When combined with energy storage modules, 'Zhulong' effectively powered a Bluetooth radio-frequency chip for both transmission and reception of signals.

Furthermore, an LED light powered by 'Zhulong' has been continuously operating for almost four months, completing over 35,000 pulse flashes.

The battery’s design guarantees zero emissions and boasts an energy density that is ten times greater than that of commercial lithium-ion batteries.

It can endure extreme temperatures ranging from -100 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius. Professor Su Maogen, who leads the research team at Northwest Normal University, stated that 'Zhulong' could provide a lasting energy source for medical implants, Internet of Things sensors, and equipment utilized in harsh environments, including lunar and Martian expeditions.

This advancement fits into China's larger goal of achieving self-sufficiency in the production of carbon-14. In April 2024, the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, managed by China National Nuclear Power Company Limited, successfully extracted carbon-14 targets from its pressurized heavy water reactor.

This milestone marked the first large-scale carbon-14 production in China from a commercial nuclear power reactor, effectively removing the need for imports and establishing a fully domestic supply chain.

The research team is now working alongside Wuxi Beita Pharmatech to create the second-generation prototype, 'Zhulong 2,' which will include fully enclosed carbon-14 micro-nuclear cells. Testing of this new model is expected to begin by the end of the year.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
China Introduces 'Zhulong' C-14 Nuclear Battery with an Estimated Lifespan of 5,730 Years
Inquiry: Social Media Platforms Authorized Advertisements Featuring Anti-Semitic and Anti-Muslim Material in Germany
Li Ka-shing's CK Hutchison Faces Chinese Criticism Over Panama Canal Ports Sale to BlackRock-Led Consortium
U.S. Expels South African Ambassador as Tensions Escalate Over Racist Land Seizure Policies
High-ranking ISIS Leader Neutralized in Coordinated Operation in Iraq
Thus, following the loss of a million Ukrainian lives, the devastation of the country, the collapse of the economy, and the mass exodus of its population, NATO has "declared" that Ukraine's membership is no longer being considered.
Connecticut Woman Accused of Keeping Stepson Imprisoned for Twenty Years
Bosnia and Herzegovina Confronts Political Unrest Following Arrest Warrant Issued for Serb Leader
US Postal Service Collaborates with Government Efficiency Department to Enact Workforce Cuts in Response to Financial Difficulties
This isn’t AI—it’s real. A must-watch!
Meta Plans to Introduce Community Notes Feature in March as Part of Its Evolving Content Moderation Approach
France Takes a Strong Stance Against Potential US Tariffs on Alcoholic Drinks
The Trump family is in discussions to invest in Binance.
Donatella Versace to Resign as Creative Director After Almost 30 Years
Trump's ambassador nominee confirmed Canada's sovereignty in the face of trade disputes.
Putin Shows Interest in a 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine During Ongoing Hostilities
U.S. Judge Rules to Reinstate Federal Employees Terminated During the Trump Administration
Trump Addresses Possible Ukraine Ceasefire Amid Continuing Tensions
Netanyahu Rejects UN Findings on Gaza as 'Inaccurate'
Trump Restates Interest in the Annexation of Greenland Due to Geopolitical Issues
Canada Submits WTO Complaint Regarding U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminium
French Prime Minister Bayrou Reaffirms Position Against US Tariff Threats
These are currently on the rise in the UK.
DOJ Investigates $20 Billion Post-Election Allocation to Eight Nonprofits
Trump's Encounter with the Irish Prime Minister Takes an Unforeseen Twist Concerning Fashion and Economic Matters.
Isabel, a Russian national, wed Zahid Ali Khan, describing it as "love at first sight." Her affection for him stems from his character, not his $740 million fortune.
Chair Refers to Transgender Representative as 'Mr. McBride' During Congressional Session
DOGE has found that there are 394 million recipients of Social Security in the United States.
Rahm Emanuel Gears Up for Presidential Bid in 2028
Six Americans Freed from Kuwaiti Detention
The ICC's Revenge on Behalf of Drug Dealers, Against Philippine President Duterte, Who Fought Them and Saved 100 Million Filipinos from the Drugs-Death Industry—ignoring the fact that every victory comes at a cost
Lawsuit Filed Against Japanese University for Discriminatory Hiring Practices
Investigation Continues into Disappearances at Punta Cana Beach Following Student's Mysterious Vanishing
Canada Expresses Worries Regarding U.S. Trade Policies Prior to G7 Gathering
FBI Alerts About Increasing Smishing Scams Aimed at Mobile Users
World Bank Officials Being Examined for Travel-Related Carbon Emissions
EU and Canada Declare Countermeasures After U.S. Imposition of Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren: An In-Depth Look at Their Marital Struggles and Continued Co-Parenting Efforts
Romania Excludes Top Presidential Contender Călin Georgescu from Election Repetition
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte apprehended in Manila on ICC warrant.
Mark Carney Chosen as Leader of Canada's Liberal Party, Poised to Assume Prime Minister Role
Russia Expels British Diplomats in Response to Increased Tensions
Pope Francis Displays Signs of Recovery, Yet His Hospitalization Prolongs.
Significant Rescue Mission in Progress Following Collision Between Tanker and Cargo Vessel in the North Sea
U.S. Government Reveals Major Reductions to USAID Initiatives.
Leak of Radioactive Coolant Reported at Europe’s Largest Nuclear Reactor
Trump Administration Launches Self-Deportation App for Undocumented Immigrants
X Experiences Major Outage Affecting Thousands of Users
Syria Wraps Up Military Campaign Amid Widespread Violence and Large-Scale Killings
Trump Remarks on the Arrest of a Pro-Palestinian Student at Columbia University
×