Scientists have created a diamond battery that can last for 5,000 years

UK scientists and engineers have developed the first-ever carbon-14 diamond battery.

The battery, developed by the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority, leverages the radioactive isotope carbon-14, known for its use in radiocarbon dating, to produce a diamond battery.

The battery works by using the radioactive decay of carbon-14, which has a half-life of 5,700 years, allowing for a long lifespan.

It functions similarly to solar panels, which convert light into electricity, but instead of using light particles, they capture fast-moving electrons from within the diamond structure.

Since the battery can only generate low-power output, it’s not suitable for consumer electronics such as laptops and smartphones.

According to Tom Scott, Professor in Materials at the University of Bristol, the battery could be used in space technologies, security devices, and medical implants.

For example, bio-compatible diamond batteries can be used in medical devices like ocular implants, hearing aids, and pacemakers, as well as in extreme environments.

They could also power active radio frequency tags to identify and track devices, such as spacecraft or payloads on earth or in space, potentially reducing costs and extending operational lifespan.

Many barriers must be overcome before the battery can be introduced to the market. These include the high cost of plasma deposition, handling radioactive isotopes, and production scalability.