Diamonds are forever, say battery makers hoping to power devices for millennia

The world's first carbon-14 diamond battery has been created by UK scientists and engineers. 

The battery leverages carbon-14, a radioactive isotope known for its use in radiocarbon dating.

Its creators from the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Bristol believe such energy sources could power devices for thousands of years.

They predict that "game-changing applications" will be possible, including bio-compatible batteries in medical devices like ocular implants, hearing aids, and pacemakers. This would limit the need for expensive replacements and reduce patient distress.

The researchers say diamond batteries could also be used in extreme environments where it's impractical to replace conventional batteries. This could include in space.

According to a news release by UKAEA - a UK government research organisation responsible for the development of fusion energy: "The batteries could power active radio frequency (RF) tags where there is a need to identify and track devices either on earth or in space, such as spacecraft or payloads, for decades at a time, thus reducing costs and extending operational lifespan."

Sarah Clark, director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA said diamond batteries "offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power. They are an emerging technology that use a manufactured diamond to safely encase small amounts of carbon-14." 

The battery works by using the radioactive decay of carbon-14 to generate low levels of power.  The isotope has a half-life of 5,700 years and functions similarly to solar panels, which convert light into electricity. Instead of using light particles, the batteries capture fast-moving electrons from within the diamond structure.

The team worked together to build a plasma deposition rig, a specialised apparatus used for producing the diamond at UKAEA's Oxfordshire campus where it has long conducted research on fusion energy. 

Professor Tom Scott, Professor in Materials at the University of Bristol, hailed his team's research. He said: "Our micropower technology can support a whole range of important applications from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants. We're excited to be able to explore all of these possibilities, working with partners in industry and research, over the next few years."