Nuclear power contributes approximately 20% of the United States' electricity while generating minimal greenhouse gas emissions. However, a major challenge remains-the production of radioactive waste, which poses environmental and health hazards. Safely managing and repurposing this waste is a critical concern.
Led by scientists at The Ohio State University, the research team developed a system integrating scintillator crystals-materials that emit light upon absorbing radiation-with solar cells. This combination allows the collection of ambient gamma radiation to produce electrical power, demonstrating potential applications for microelectronics such as microchips.
The prototype battery, measuring just 4 cubic centimeters, was tested using two common radioactive isotopes: cesium-137 and cobalt-60. These isotopes are among the primary fission byproducts from spent nuclear fuel. Conducted at Ohio State's Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, the experiments showed promising results. When exposed to cesium-137, the battery produced 288 nanowatts of power, while cobalt-60, a significantly more potent isotope, yielded 1.5 microwatts-enough to activate a small sensor.
While typical household and electronic devices require power measured in kilowatts, the researchers believe their approach could be scaled up to reach watt-level applications. "With the right power source, this technology has the potential to achieve significant energy outputs," said Raymond Cao, the study's lead author and a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State.
Published in the journal Optical Materials: X, the study highlights potential applications for these batteries in environments where nuclear waste is present, such as storage pools and specialized systems for space or deep-sea exploration. These batteries are not intended for consumer use. Despite utilizing gamma radiation, which is far more penetrating than conventional X-rays or CT scans, the battery itself contains no radioactive materials, making it safe to handle.
"We're taking what is traditionally seen as waste and transforming it into something valuable," explained Cao, who also directs Ohio State's Nuclear Reactor Laboratory.
The study also suggests that the battery's power output was influenced by the specific type of scintillator crystal used. The researchers discovered that factors such as the crystal's shape, size, and volume directly impacted its ability to absorb radiation and convert energy into light, subsequently enhancing the solar cell's efficiency in generating electricity.
"These results mark a significant breakthrough in terms of power output," said Ibrahim Oksuz, co-author and research associate in mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State. "This two-step energy conversion process is still in its early stages, but the next phase of research will focus on scaling up the technology to generate power in the watt range."
Since these batteries would primarily be used in environments with high radiation levels and limited human access, their design eliminates the need for routine maintenance and prevents additional environmental contamination.
However, Cao noted that mass production of such batteries could be costly, requiring further research to determine their feasibility and longevity. Oksuz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that continued exploration is necessary to refine the technology's practical applications.
"The concept of a nuclear battery holds great promise," Oksuz said. "While there's still room for improvement, I believe this technology could play a key role in energy production and sensor technology in the future."
The study was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Additional contributors include Sabin Neupane and Yanfa Yan from The University of Toledo.
Research Report:Scintillator based nuclear photovoltaic batteries for power generation at microwatts level
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