Listen to a convo on it…. Much more below
Two articles discuss innovative energy sources. One details a Japanese research team’s development of a photocatalytic reactor that uses sunlight to produce green hydrogen, a climate-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, although challenges remain in increasing efficiency and scaling up production. The other describes the creation of a carbon-14 diamond battery, which uses radioactive decay to generate power for thousands of years, potentially revolutionizing the lifespan of implanted medical devices and long-term space exploration equipment. Both articles highlight advancements in energy technology aimed at addressing global energy challenges and sustainability concerns. These advancements could potentially impact various sectors including energy production, healthcare, and space exploration.
Scientists in the UK have created the world’s first diamond battery, capable of producing power for thousands of years.
Scientists in the UK have created the world’s first diamond battery, capable of producing power for thousands of years.
ITV News Science Correspondent @MartinStewITV and Producer @rhiannon_hopley report pic.twitter.com/lGFYVWltIq
— ITV News (@itvnews) December 6, 2024
Breakthroughs in Sustainable Energy: Diamond Batteries and Green Hydrogen
These two articles highlight promising advancements in sustainable energy: a long-lasting diamond battery powered by radioactive decay and a photocatalytic reactor for producing green hydrogen.
Diamond Batteries: A Long-Term Solution
- Researchers from the University of Bristol and UKAEA have created the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery.
- This battery utilizes the radioactive decay of carbon-14 to generate a continuous low power output for thousands of years.
- “Diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power.” – Sarah Clark, UKAEA Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle.
- The battery’s potential applications include powering implants, spacecraft, and other devices where battery replacement is impractical or impossible.
- “Our micropower technology can support a whole range of important applications from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants,” – Professor Tom Scott, University of Bristol.
Green Hydrogen: Overcoming the Cost Barrier
- Scientists at Shinshu University, Japan, have developed a photocatalytic reactor that uses sunlight to split water and produce green hydrogen.
- Green hydrogen is considered a climate-neutral fuel, unlike other hydrogen production methods that rely on fossil fuels.
- The reactor uses a two-step excitation process, with separate photocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution, to improve efficiency.
- “Sunlight-driven water splitting using photocatalysts is an ideal technology for solar-to-chemical energy conversion and storage,” – Kazunari Domen, Shinshu University.
- The technology is still in its early stages, and challenges remain in terms of material durability, conversion efficiency, and safety.
- “The most important aspect to develop is the efficiency of solar-to-chemical energy conversion by photocatalysts,” – Kazunari Domen.
Impact and Future Potential
Both technologies offer exciting possibilities for a more sustainable future:
- Diamond batteries could revolutionize the way we power devices, eliminating the need for battery replacements and opening up new applications in various fields.
- Green hydrogen, if produced efficiently and cost-effectively, could play a crucial role in decarbonizing industries and transitioning away from fossil fuels.
These advancements demonstrate the ongoing efforts to develop innovative and sustainable energy solutions to address the challenges of climate change and energy security.
Scientists at the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority have introduced the carbon-14 diamond battery, a energy source designed to last for thousands of years. pic.twitter.com/KQetzjxqil
— Faust (@faustofm) December 7, 2024
More…
Chinese company Betavolt has announced an atomic energy battery for consumers with a touted 50-year lifespan The Betavolt BV100 will be the first product to launch using the firm’s new atomic battery technology, constructed using a nickel -63 isotope and diamond semiconductor material. Betavolt says that its nuclear battery will target aerospace, AI devices, medical, MEMS systems, intelligent sensors, small drones, and robots — and may eventually mean manufacturers can sell smartphones that never need charging.
Chinese company Betavolt has announced an atomic energy battery for consumers with a touted 50-year lifespan
The Betavolt BV100 will be the first product to launch using the firm’s new atomic battery technology, constructed using a nickel -63 isotope and diamond semiconductor… pic.twitter.com/eKIR2jQRUX
— Evinstein 𝕏 (@Evinst3in) January 17, 2024
