Long-term, uninterrupted power supply offered by a novel Beta-Particle Battery blend
Breakthrough in Betavoltaic Cell Technology: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology Develops World's First Perovskite-Based Cell
A groundbreaking development in the field of betavoltaic cell technology has been made by researchers at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST) in the Republic of Korea. They have successfully created the world’s first next-generation "betavoltaic" cell, which integrates a radioactive isotope, carbon-14, with a perovskite film enhanced by additives like methylammonium chloride (MACl) and cesium chloride (CsCl) [1][2][3].
Perovskite, a calcium-titanium-oxide mineral, is renowned for its efficiency in power conversion. In this new cell, the interaction between beta electrons and heavy atoms like bromine, iodine, and lead in perovskites enhances performance by shortening the penetration depth of beta particles, improving energy conversion efficiency (ECE) [2].
Potential Advantages
The new perovskite-based betavoltaic cell offers several potential advantages. The extremely slow decay of carbon-14 enables power generation for decades, potentially even thousands of years, without recharge or refueling [1]. The high electron mobility of the perovskite crystal structure, improved by dual chlorine-based additives, supports efficient charge transport [1].
Beta particles from carbon-14 have limited penetration, making the device biologically safe as they can be blocked by common materials like aluminum. Additionally, perovskites exhibit good radiation resistance and high power-conversion efficiency, tunable bandgaps, and potentially lower production costs compared to traditional silicon solar cells [2].
Challenges
Despite the promising advancements, the new cell faces several challenges. Perovskites are sensitive to moisture and oxygen, leading to degradation, phase transitions, and loss of long-term efficiency [2]. Defects, trap states, perovskite film thickness, and self-absorption cause losses that reduce ECE [2].
While MACl improves crystal quality and efficiency, its volatility and the presence of the methylammonium cation can destabilize the perovskite over time. CsCl shows promise to enhance long-term stability but further optimization is needed [2].
The overall energy conversion efficiency remains relatively modest, requiring further material and structural innovation [2]. Despite these challenges, perovskite betavoltaic cells represent a promising advance for compact, ultra-long-lasting nuclear batteries suitable for extreme environments and miniature devices, combining the high energy density of beta decay with the favorable optoelectronic properties of perovskites [1][2].
References
- Novel perovskite-based betavoltaic cell: dual additive strategy for enhanced FAPbI3 α-phase stability and performance
- Perovskite-based betavoltaic cells: A review of materials, properties, and applications
The new perovskite-based betavoltaic cell, developed by researchers at DGIST, harnesses the power of both science (perovskite mineral) and technology (betavoltaic cell) to potentially generate power for extremely long periods due to the slow decay of carbon-14. This breakthrough in technology also benefits from the high electron mobility of the perovskite crystal structure, a feature that is often a focus of study within the realm of science.
