By Zainab Shafiq 
A groundbreaking nuclear battery developed by Chinese scientists could redefine energy storage, offering a lifespan of up to 50 years—or even centuries under extreme conditions. Designed by researchers at Northwest Normal University in Gansu province, the battery leverages carbon-14, a radioactive isotope, to generate electricity through radioactive decay. This innovation could power everything from pacemakers to spacecraft, opening new frontiers in technology and exploration.
Unlike traditional batteries, this carbon-based marvel can operate in temperatures ranging from -100°C to 200°C, making it ideal for harsh environments like polar regions, deep-sea exploration, and even space missions. With an ultra-high energy density and a degradation rate of less than 5% over its lifespan, the battery promises reliability and longevity unmatched by current technologies.
Chinese scientists reveal half-life of nuclear battery
The project’s technical lead, Zhang Guanghui, highlighted the battery’s potential, stating that its reliance on carbon-14—which has a half-life of 5,730 years—means it could theoretically function for millennia. Already, an LED lamp powered by the battery has been running for nearly four months, emitting over 35,000 pulses.
The implications are vast. For medical devices like pacemakers, which currently require replacement every 10-15 years, this battery could offer a permanent solution. It could also support large-scale sensor networks for the Internet of Things and provide continuous power for deep-space probes, eliminating the need for maintenance in remote or extreme environments.
The development is part of a collaboration between Northwest Normal University and Beita Pharmatech, a company specializing in carbon-14 compounds. The team is also working on automated carbon-13 isotope detection equipment, a critical step toward establishing a domestic industrial system for isotope production.
This breakthrough comes as China ramps up its production of carbon-14, reducing reliance on imports from countries like Canada and Russia. It also follows similar advancements abroad, including a carbon-14 diamond battery developed by UK scientists last year.
As the world moves toward sustainable energy solutions, this carbon-based battery could play a pivotal role in powering the future—on Earth and beyond.
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