Revolutionary Carbon-14 Diamond Battery Promises a Lifespan of Thousands of Years

This innovative battery technology has the potential to power devices for thousands of years, providing an exceptionally long-lasting energy solution. The battery utilizes carbon-14, a radioactive isotope commonly associated with radiocarbon dating, to create a diamond-based energy source. This groundbreaking technology opens the door to several transformative applications. Bio-compatible diamond batteries can be integrated into medical devices like ocular implants, hearing aids, and pacemakers, significantly reducing the need for replacements and minimizing patient discomfort.

Diamond batteries are also ideal for use in extreme environments—on Earth or in space—where replacing traditional batteries is impractical. They could power active radio frequency (RF) tags for tracking and identifying devices, such as spacecraft or payloads, for decades. This extended operational lifespan reduces costs and enhances efficiency for long-term projects.

Professor Tom Scott, a Materials Science Professor at the University of Bristol, highlighted the diverse potential of the technology: “Our micropower innovation supports a wide range of critical applications, from space exploration and security systems to medical implants. We are excited to collaborate with industry and research partners to fully explore these possibilities in the coming years.”

The carbon-14 diamond battery operates by harnessing the radioactive decay of carbon-14, which has a half-life of 5,700 years, to produce low but consistent levels of power. Similar to solar panels, which convert light into electricity, these batteries convert high-energy electrons released during radioactive decay into electrical energy within the diamond structure.

“Diamond batteries offer a safe and sustainable solution for delivering continuous microwatt-level power. This emerging technology uses a synthetic diamond to securely encase small amounts of carbon-14,” explained Sarah Clark, Director of the Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA.

A collaborative team of scientists and engineers developed a specialized plasma deposition rig at UKAEA’s Culham Campus to grow the diamond structures required for these batteries. This advancement is partly driven by expertise gained from UKAEA’s fusion energy research, which has accelerated innovation in related fields and fostered the development of cutting-edge technologies.