Chinese Startup develops nuclear battery for smartphones that will last 50 years without charging
Betavolt, a Chinese startup, claims a groundbreaking achievement with the development of a nuclear battery that can power smartphones for an impressive 50 years without requiring charging. This nuclear battery, deemed the world's first miniaturized atomic energy system, utilizes 63 nuclear isotopes packed into a module smaller than a coin.
The technology involves converting energy released by decaying isotopes into electricity, a concept first explored in the 20th century and now realized by Betavolt. The startup has initiated pilot testing and plans to mass-produce the battery for various applications, including smartphones and drones.
In their press release, Betavolt stated, "Betavolt atomic energy batteries can meet the needs of long-lasting power supply in multiple scenarios, such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical equipment, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots." They believe this innovation will provide China with a competitive advantage in the AI technology era.
The initial nuclear battery by Betavolt delivers 100 microwatts of power with a voltage of 3V, measuring a tiny 15x15x5 cubic millimeters. The company aims to produce a battery with 1 watt of power by 2025. The small size allows for multiple units to be connected, increasing power output, envisioning a future where mobile phones never need charging, and drones can fly indefinitely.
Ensuring safety, Betavolt's design features a layered structure to prevent fire or explosions when subjected to sudden force. The battery can operate in a wide temperature range, from -60 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius.
To create the battery, Betavolt used nickel-63, a radioactive element, as the energy source, employing diamond semiconductors for energy conversion. The team developed a thin single-crystal diamond semiconductor and placed a nickel-63 sheet between two diamond semiconductor converters. The radioactive source's decay energy is then converted into electrical current.
Addressing radiation concerns, Betavolt assures users of safety, stating no external radiation. It is deemed suitable for use in medical devices inside the human body, such as pacemakers and cochlear implants. After the decay period, the isotopes transform into a stable, non-radioactive isotope of copper, posing no environmental threat.
The BV100 battery by Betavolt is also considered more secure than conventional batteries, not catching fire or exploding when punctured or exposed to high temperatures.
The development of miniaturized nuclear batteries has been a longstanding goal, and Betavolt's breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize electronics by eliminating the need for chargers or portable power banks.
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Rupee crashes 33 paise to fresh record low of 94.29 against US dollar in early trade
Mumbai (PTI): The rupee crashed 33 paise to a fresh all-time low of 94.29 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, weighed down by elevated oil prices and a stronger greenback amid no breakthrough in the West Asia conflict.
Heavy sell-off in domestic equity markets and sustained FII outflows put further pressure on the local unit, according to forex traders.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the local unit opened at 94.18 and slipped further to 94.29 against the greenback, down 33 paise from its previous close.
The rupee slumped 20 paise to close at a record low of 93.96 against the US dollar on Wednesday. Stock, forex, commodity, and bullion markets remained closed on Thursday on account of Ram Navami.
"With Brent oil prices again going past USD 105.75 per barrel, and the dollar index rising towards 100, the rupee opened weak," Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director, Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP, said.
The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.08 per cent higher at 99.67.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose overnight before easing towards the end, down 0.78 per cent at USD 107.1 per barrel in futures trade.
"Brent oil was up to USD 107.50 per barrel but fell after US President Donald Trump postponed strikes on Iranian power plants by 10 days," Bhansali added.
On the domestic equity market front, the Sensex tumbled 926.92 points to 74,346.53 in morning trade, while Nifty was down 280.95 points to 23,025.50.
Foreign institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 1,805.37 crore on a net basis on Wednesday, according to exchange data.
