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Sunday, Mar 16, 2025
Outside the box.
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.
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.
