Turning Nuclear Waste into Radiation-Harvesting Batteries

On February 26, 2025, scientists at The Ohio State University unveiled an innovative battery capable of converting nuclear waste into electricity by harnessing high-energy radiation. This groundbreaking development not only addresses the challenges of managing radioactive by-products from nuclear power plants but also has the potential to facilitate advancements in space and deep-sea exploration.

Published in Optical Materials: X, the study introduces a unique approach that combines scintillator crystals—materials that emit light when exposed to radiation—with solar cells to generate electricity. Unlike traditional nuclear batteries, this new device does not contain radioactive materials, ensuring it is safe to handle despite its powerful energy source.

The Challenge of Nuclear Waste Management

Nuclear power accounts for approximately 20% of the electricity generated in the United States, providing a low-carbon energy alternative. However, the process generates highly radioactive waste, posing significant challenges in terms of long-term storage and environmental impact. Typically, spent nuclear fuel is stored in secure facilities, but researchers have been exploring more effective ways to repurpose this waste. Dr. Raymond Cao, the lead author of the study and a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State, remarked on the broader implications: “We’re harvesting something considered as waste and by nature, trying to turn it into treasure.”

How the Radiation-Powered Battery Works

The prototype, measuring just 4 cubic centimeters, utilizes ambient gamma radiation to generate electrical power. Its core components include:

• Scintillator Crystals: These high-density materials absorb radiation and emit light. The study evaluated various shapes and sizes, confirming that a larger surface area enhances both energy absorption and conversion efficiency.

• Solar Cells: Positioned next to the scintillator, these solar cells capture the emitted light and convert it into electricity.

• Gamma Radiation Sources: The battery was tested using cesium-137 and cobalt-60, common isotopes found in nuclear waste. During trials at Ohio State’s Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, the battery produced 288 nanowatts with cesium-137 and an impressive 1.5 microwatts with cobalt-60—sufficient to power miniature sensors and microelectronics. While these outputs are modest compared to household energy needs, researchers believe that further advancements could enable the technology to achieve watt-level power outputs.

Applications in Space, Deep-Sea, and Secure Nuclear Sites

This battery is not designed for widespread public use; rather, it is intended for specific environments where high radiation levels are already present. Potential applications include:

• Nuclear Waste Storage Facilities: These batteries could be placed within waste storage pools to passively harness radiation.

• Space Exploration: With their long lifespan and maintenance-free operation, these batteries could be ideal for powering deep-space missions.

• Deep-Sea Research Stations: Isolated marine research labs could rely on a consistent, radiation-powered energy source.

Importantly, while gamma radiation is more penetrating than medical X-rays or CT scans, the battery itself remains non-radioactive and safe for handling.

Challenges and Opportunities

Although the concept of a radiation-powered battery is revolutionary, several challenges must be addressed. One significant hurdle is ensuring cost-effective mass production. Dr. Cao acknowledged that while the technology shows promise, further refinement is essential: “Scaling this technology up would be costly unless these batteries could be reliably manufactured.”

Co-author Dr. Ibrahim Oksuz emphasized the necessity for additional research: “These are breakthrough results in terms of power output. This two-step process is still in its preliminary stages, but we need to focus on generating greater wattage with scale-up constructs.” Future studies will concentrate on enhancing the battery’s lifespan, evaluating its energy efficiency over extended periods, and identifying optimal crystal configurations for maximum output.

A Sustainable Future for Nuclear Waste

This innovative nuclear battery marks a significant advance toward sustainable waste repurposing. By converting radiation into usable energy, researchers are tackling the challenge of nuclear waste disposal while pioneering new energy solutions for extreme environments. Although full-scale implementation may still be years away, the potential applications for durable, low-maintenance power sources are vast. With ongoing advancements, this technology could play a critical role in energy production and the future of remote sensing and exploration.

Tags: Energy, Nuclear, Nuclear Battery, Nuclear Waste, Radiation-powered Battery, Space Exploration, Sustainability, Technology