Atomic power: Phone battery promises 50 years without charge

Betavolt Technology, based in Beijing, is developing a miniature atomic battery known as a betavoltaic battery. The firm’s representatives are confident that this technology will find applications in a variety of electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets. The groundbreaking battery is expected to enable devices to operate for up to 50 years without requiring recharging.

The first prototype is a battery named BV100, which generates a voltage of 3V and is extremely small—smaller than a coin. Its dimensions are 0.6 x 0.6 x 0.2 inches, and it delivers 100 microwatts of energy through the decay of radioactive material. The specific solution involves the decay of a nickel isotope, making it safe—it does not emit radiation or create harmful chemicals.

Plans project that by 2025, the battery’s power will be increased to 1W. According to the creators, this technology can be used in a series of configurations to adjust power to meet the requirements of modern devices. The prototype was presented as ready for mass production, as reported by Android Central.

Although the concept of miniaturizing atomic energy is not new, it has not been used in consumer electronics so far due to risks associated with radioactive materials like plutonium. However, Betavolt engineers emphasize that their solution is safe due to the use of a nickel isotope and diamond semiconductor. The slow decay of nickel-63 into copper ensures stability and safety.

Thanks to its layered design, the battery is resistant to self-ignition and explosion and operates in extreme temperatures from -76 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit. This definitely surpasses the capabilities of today's batteries used in electronics.