Foreign Media: China Makes Breakthrough, Develops Battery That Can Be Used for Over a Century Without Charging
Scientists from Northwest Normal University in China have developed the "Chu Long No. 1" nuclear battery, which uses carbon-14 instead of nickel-63, releasing energy through slow decay and using a silicon carbide casing to convert energy, making it safe and free from radiation leakage.
Its energy density is 10 times higher than that of lithium batteries, and it can operate stably in environments ranging from -100°C to 200°C. It will degrade by less than 5% over 50 years, with a theoretical lifespan of thousands of years, ultimately leaving only harmless substances.
Compared to Betavolt's BV100 (which can last 50 years), the Chu Long No. 1 has a longer lifespan. However, its current power is only in the nanowatt range, unable to drive a mobile phone or car, but it can provide long-lasting power for pacemakers, sensors, satellites, etc.
The team is developing the "Chu Long No. 2", which is as small as a coin and more suitable for mass production. Currently, only China has the capability to produce large quantities of carbon-14.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1840806123507720/
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