Portable nuclear batteries? We’re closer, but there’s a small problem

Nuclear batteries, first developed in 1912, harness energy from radioactive decay without initiating chain reactions. Early models powered space missions due to their longevity, with notable examples like Voyager I’s radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) still operational after 47 years. Modern advances are now miniaturizing these batteries for potential everyday use. In early 2024, BetaVolt introduced a coin-sized, 50-year-lasting nuclear battery using non-thermal conversion, extracting energy directly from radiation. Recently, a Soochow University team achieved an 8,000-fold efficiency boost in nuclear battery technology, but scaling for mainstream applications remains challenging due to low power output. Future uses may include powering miniature sensors in remote locations, though mass-market adoption remains distant.

Source : CGTN