Turning nuclear waste into diamonds for energy use

A few years ago, a group of scientists at the University of Bristol demonstrated that radioactive waste could be more than just a problem. They revealed it could be converted into diamonds, which could serve as a source of electrical energy. Though the idea has interested many, the practical application continues to raise doubts.

The proposition of utilizing nuclear waste to generate energy appears compelling. Further, the resultant diamond comes from C-14, a highly problematic carbon isotope. C-14's half-life exceeds 5700 years, the longest of all radioactive waste components. Still, power plants do not have the ability to restrict their production. C-14 is generated by graphite rods used in moderating nuclear reactions.

Simultaneously, British researchers demonstrated that this radioactive carbon isotope could be heated, transforming it into a gas. Upon condensation, it becomes a synthetic diamond, but that's not the only advantage.

During the process, the diamond can be enhanced with components that make it an exceptionally enduring energy source. Over several millennia, the C-14 isotope decomposes into nitrogen-14, a process involving beta radiation or electron release.

Alas, diamond batteries are not the panacea for global energy needs. Despite offering hope for durable energy sources, they provide only low power. Hence, their application is limited to energy-efficient devices requiring extended battery life.

Situations that might benefit from diamond batteries include space probes or devices situated in inaccessible locations. The potential utility of diamond batteries for humankind is currently under investigation by the start-up Arkenlight, established by the creators of the diamond battery prototype. This innovative battery production idea evoked such potential that it attracted unforeseen competition, namely a start-up called NDB (Nano Diamond Battery).

NDB claims it is working on a project to produce batteries from not just the C-14 isotope, but other radioactive components as well. The company suggests these batteries could be applicable to smartphones, cars, and as emergency power sources in data centers.

Although NDB has kept the specifics under wraps, using an isotope with a half-life as long as C-14 would not generate enough power to support a phone or car. Radioactive components with shorter half-lives could potentially meet the power demand, but only for brief periods. Coupled with the fact that diamond-enriched batteries are not easily rechargeable and incompatible with Li-On technology, it makes their practical usefulness doubtful.