Imagine a tiny power source that can keep working for more than 50 years without ever needing to be recharged or replaced.
Researchers in South Korea have taken a major step toward making that idea a reality by developing a new type of long-lasting nuclear battery that could power devices in some of the world’s harshest environments.
The research, led by scientists at the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) and Kyungpook National University, was published in the International Journal of Energy Research.
The team successfully demonstrated Korea’s first silicon carbide (SiC)-based betavoltaic cell, a device designed to provide small but steady amounts of electricity for decades.
A betavoltaic cell works in a way that is similar to a solar panel.
While a solar panel converts sunlight into electricity, a betavoltaic cell converts energy released by a radioactive material into electrical power.
It uses tiny particles called beta particles, which are naturally emitted during radioactive decay. These particles are captured by a semiconductor, which turns their energy into electricity.
Because the device does not rely on sunlight, it can keep working in places where ordinary batteries or solar panels are less practical. This includes deep underground, deep under the ocean, in polar regions with long periods of darkness, and in space, where maintenance is extremely difficult.
One of the biggest challenges in developing this technology has been making it efficient enough to produce useful amounts of electricity. Handling radioactive materials safely has also made research difficult.
To solve these problems, the researchers built their device using silicon carbide, an advanced semiconductor material that is much more resistant to heat and radiation than ordinary silicon. They also designed a special internal structure that captures more energy from radioactive particles and converts it into electricity more efficiently.
After receiving approval to safely work with radioactive materials, the team used nickel-63, a radioactive isotope that emits beta particles. By combining the isotope with their silicon carbide device, they produced a power density of 160 microwatts per square centimeter. The prototype generated enough electricity to power a small, low-energy LED light.
Based on the slow decay of nickel-63, the researchers estimate that the device could continue operating for more than 50 years without needing a battery replacement. The technology is intended for very low-power electronics rather than energy-hungry devices such as electric vehicles.
The researchers also believe the technology could become even more powerful. Laboratory tests suggested that an improved design could produce much higher output than the current prototype. According to the team, the projected performance is more than 4,200 times greater than Korea’s previous target for a single betavoltaic cell. By connecting multiple cells together, they believe even more practical devices could be developed.
Artificial intelligence also played an important role in the project. The researchers created an AI model that predicts the battery’s electrical performance with an accuracy of 98% to 99%, allowing them to improve future designs much more quickly.
To make sure the device could survive harsh conditions, the team exposed it to high-energy proton radiation that mimics part of the space environment. These tests provided valuable information about how the device performs under intense radiation and will help scientists improve its reliability for future space missions.
Although this technology will never replace the large batteries used in cars or smartphones, it could become an ideal power source for devices that require only tiny amounts of electricity over extremely long periods. Possible uses include remote environmental sensors, unmanned defense monitoring systems, emergency beacons in space or the deep ocean, and other equipment that is difficult or impossible to service regularly.
The researchers have already filed patent applications for the new technology and plan to work with companies in the aerospace, defense, nuclear energy, and remote sensing industries.
If future development is successful, these ultra-long-life nuclear batteries could provide reliable, maintenance-free power for decades in places where replacing a battery is simply not an option.
