Overview

• South Korean scientists at DGIST have developed a radiocarbon-powered nuclear battery prototype with improved energy conversion efficiency of 2.86%, a significant leap from earlier designs.
• China remains the global leader in nuclear battery production, with Betavolt's BV100, a Nickel-63-based battery with a 50-year lifespan, now in mass production for applications in medicine, aerospace, and more.
• The U.S.-based City Labs is advancing tritium-powered nuclear batteries, focusing on medical and space technologies, while other nations like the U.K. explore carbon-14 designs from nuclear waste.
• Nuclear batteries are gaining attention for their potential to provide safe, long-term energy solutions for pacemakers, remote sensors, and space exploration, with beta radiation safely shielded by thin materials like aluminum.
• Despite advancements, energy conversion efficiency remains a challenge for nuclear batteries compared to lithium-ion alternatives, driving ongoing research to improve performance and scalability.