GS Paper - 3 Science and Tech
Why in the news?
- Chinese startup Betavolt has created an innovative battery that can power smartphones continuously for 50 years without the need for recharging.
- The company's goal is to manufacture batteries with the capacity to produce 1 watt of power by the year 2025.
About new battery developed by Betavolt
- Compact Design:
- The battery is created by Betavolt, a Chinese company, and is called the world's first miniaturized atomic energy system.
- Its size is similar to a coin, measuring 15x15x5 cubic millimeters.
- Internal Structure:
- The battery consists of 63 nuclear isotopes arranged compactly within the module.
- It has a layered structure, featuring 10-micron-thick diamond semiconductors with a layer of nickel-63 in between.
- Power Capacity:
- Capable of delivering 100 microwatts of power.
- Operates at a voltage of 3V.
- Energy Generation:
- Produces electricity by using energy from the decay of a radioactive isotope, specifically nickel-63.
- Durable Features:
- Fire-resistant and jerk-proof.
- Operational in a wide temperature range, from -60°C to 120°C.
- Versatile Connectivity:
- Its small size allows multiple units to be connected for increased power output.
- Applications in Various Sectors:
- Suitable for providing enduring power in aerospace, medical care, UAVs, micro-robots, microprocessors, advanced sensors, drones, and AI.
Significance of the battery
- Betavolt's battery challenges traditional science by being the first to miniaturize atomic energy production, challenging established ideas about non-miniaturized nuclear technology.
- It boasts superior energy density, giving it a competitive edge over existing options.
- The battery's design enables prolonged use, potentially allowing devices like mobiles and UAVs to operate indefinitely without recharging or replacing the battery.
- Safety is a priority with its layered structure, preventing fire or explosions under force.
- The absence of external radiation makes it suitable for use in medical devices implanted inside the human body, such as pacemakers and cochlear implants.
- Environmentally friendly, the battery's isotopes transform into a stable, non-reactive isotope of copper after decay, minimizing pollution and environmental impact.
- It could provide China with a geopolitical advantage, especially in critical sectors like AI and semiconductors.
- Competitors like Russia, the USA, and the EU are also exploring this technology for various applications in aerospace, underwater crafts, and remote sensing stations.
- The battery has the potential to revolutionize electronics by eliminating the need for chargers or portable power banks, ensuring continuous device operation without capacity degradation seen in conventional Li-ion batteries.
Conclusion
Betavolt's nuclear battery disrupts traditional scientific norms and has far-reaching implications across industries. With its safety measures, environmentally friendly characteristics, and possible geopolitical benefits, it has the potential to transform electronic devices, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
