Scientists Develop Battery That Never Needs Charging

Scientists are developing tiny nuclear batteries powered by radiocarbon, which could last decades without needing a charge, unlike lithium-ion batteries that degrade over time, SciTech Daily reported.

These betavoltaic cells use beta radiation to generate electricity and have shown improved efficiency in prototypes. The new design incorporates radiocarbon in both the anode and cathode, increasing beta ray generation and energy conversion efficiency from 0.48% to 2.86%.

The potential applications include long-lasting pacemakers and devices that do not require frequent recharging. While current performance is lower than lithium batteries, further optimization could enhance their viability as a sustainable energy source.