Atomic Waste Powers New Battery Design

Researchers have developed an innovative battery that converts nuclear energy into electricity through light emission, according to a recent study. Nuclear power plants, which produce approximately 20% of all electricity in the United States, emit minimal greenhouse gases. However, they generate radioactive waste, posing risks to human health and the environment. Proper disposal of this waste can be a significant challenge.

The research team, led by experts from The Ohio State University, utilized a combination of scintillator crystals—high-density materials that emit light upon absorbing radiation—and solar cells. They demonstrated that ambient gamma radiation could be harnessed to generate sufficient electric power to operate microelectronics, such as microchips.

To evaluate this prototype battery, which measures roughly 4 cubic centimeters, the researchers tested it using two different radioactive sources: cesium-137 and cobalt-60. These isotopes are among the most significant fission products derived from spent nuclear fuel. The tests were conducted at Ohio State’s Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, which supports student and faculty research as well as industry service, but does not produce electrical power. The results indicated that the battery generated 288 nanowatts with cesium-137. In contrast, when cobalt-60 was used, the battery produced 1.5 microwatts of power, sufficient to activate a small sensor.

Although typical household and electronic devices are powered in kilowatts, this finding suggests that, with an appropriate power source, such devices could be scaled up to operate at or beyond the watt level, as noted by Raymond Cao, the study’s lead author and a professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State. The study has been published in the journal Optical Materials: X.

The researchers clarified that these batteries would be employed in close proximity to nuclear waste production sites, such as nuclear waste storage pools or systems used for deep-sea and space exploration. They are not intended for public use. Fortunately, while the gamma radiation involved in this study is about a hundred times more penetrating than a typical X-ray or CT scan, the battery does not contain any radioactive materials, making it safe to handle.

“We’re harvesting something considered waste and, by nature, attempting to convert it into treasure,” stated Cao, who is also the director of Ohio State’s Nuclear Reactor Lab.

The study also suggested that the power output of the battery might have increased due to the specific scintillator crystal used in the prototype. Researchers discovered that the shape and size of the crystals can influence the final electrical output. A larger volume allows for greater radiation absorption, converting that additional energy into more light. Additionally, a larger surface area enhances the solar cell’s power generation.

“These results represent a breakthrough in terms of power output,” remarked Ibrahim Oksuz, a co-author of the study and a research associate in mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State. “This two-step process is still in its early stages, but the next phase will focus on generating greater wattage with scaled-up constructs.”

Since these batteries are likely to be deployed in environments where high radiation levels already exist and are not easily accessible to the public, they would not contribute to environmental pollution. More importantly, they could operate without requiring regular maintenance.

Cao noted that scaling this technology up could be financially challenging unless the batteries can be produced reliably. Additional research is necessary to evaluate the batteries’ effectiveness and limitations, including their potential lifespan once implemented safely, according to Oksuz.

“The nuclear battery concept is very promising,” Oksuz added. “There’s still a lot of room for improvement, but I believe that this approach will carve out an important niche in both the energy production and sensor industries.”

This research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Other co-authors of the study include Sabin Neupane and Yanfa Yan from The University of Toledo.