2187 - The 50 Year Nuclear Battery From China And How To Make Your Own Version

Summary

The video discusses emerging nuclear battery technology using radioactive isotopes like nickel-63 and diamond semiconductors to generate electricity. It provides background on how nuclear batteries work using radioactive decay to create an electric current. The host builds a demonstration nuclear battery using a smoke detector's americium-241 and a transistor to show the alpha voltaic effect. While dangerous, these batteries can last extremely long without recharging. The technology holds promise for powering devices, though currently outputs only small amounts of energy.

Takeaways

• 😀 A new long-lasting nuclear battery using nickel and diamond has been developed by a Chinese company
• 😲 Nuclear batteries have existed since the 1950s using radioactive decay to generate electricity
• 🔋 The new Chinese battery uses radioactive nickel and diamond semiconductors to produce current
• ⚡ The battery can power devices for 50+ years without needing a recharge
• 🔋 Stacking battery modules can increase voltage and current like conventional batteries
• 😀 The batteries have no risk of explosion/fire and the nickel decays into harmless copper
• 📱 In the future these batteries may be able to power mobile phones indefinitely
• 🇷🇺 Russia and the UK have made nuclear batteries from radioactive reactor graphite
• 🤔 It's possible to make your own simple nuclear battery using a smoke detector
• 😲 But making your own involves radioactive materials and should only be done for education

Q & A

What is a nuclear battery?

A nuclear battery is a device that uses radioactive material to generate electricity. It converts nuclear energy into electrical energy.

How does a nuclear battery work?

A nuclear battery works by using radioactive decay to generate an electric current. As the radioactive material decays, it emits charged alpha or beta particles. These particles hit a semiconductor material, knocking electrons free and creating a flow of electricity.

What are the components of a nuclear battery?

The main components of a nuclear battery are a radioactive isotope, a semiconductor material like diamond, and a protective casing.

What are the advantages of a nuclear battery?

Nuclear batteries have a very long lifespan and high energy density. They can provide power for decades without needing to be recharged or replaced.

What radioactive materials can be used in nuclear batteries?

Some radioactive isotopes used in nuclear batteries include plutonium-238, curium-242, nickel-63, and americium-241.

How safe are nuclear batteries?

Nuclear batteries are designed to fully contain the radioactive material safely. The radiation exposure is very low. However, proper safety precautions should still be taken when handling them.

What are some applications of nuclear batteries?

Nuclear batteries are well-suited for long-duration, low-power applications like pacemakers, spacecraft and satellites.

How does a diamond nuclear battery work?

A diamond nuclear battery uses a thin layer of radioactive diamond that emits beta particles. The particles generate a flow of electrons in the diamond's crystalline structure, producing electricity.

When were the first nuclear batteries invented?

The first nuclear batteries were created in the 1950s, though the diamond semiconductor design has been developed more recently in 2016.

Can you make a nuclear battery at home?

It is possible but extremely dangerous to try to make a homemade nuclear battery, as it involves handling radioactive materials. This should only be attempted with proper training and safety precautions.