Researchers Transformed Nuclear Waste into a Battery
Nuclear energy currently makes up 10 percent of the world’s energy supply, and projections suggest this figure could more than double by 2050. With the increase in nuclear energy production comes a corresponding rise in nuclear waste generation, prompting scientists to explore innovative ways to utilize the untapped energy potential in nuclear waste for power generation purposes.
A recent study has revealed that scintillator crystals, which emit light when exposed to gamma radiation, have the capability to be converted into microbatteries when combined with solar cells. While nuclear fission provides about 10 percent of global energy needs and is known for its low greenhouse gas emissions, it results in the production of radioactive waste that is typically stored in spent fuel pools. However, efforts have been made by some companies and researchers to extract residual energy from nuclear waste for additional energy production.
Scientists at Ohio State University conducted a study where they developed a nuclear waste battery using scintillator crystals, high-density materials that emit light upon absorbing gamma radiation, making them suitable for applications like medical imaging and radiation detection. These crystals were paired with solar cells to convert the emitted light into usable energy. Although the power output of these batteries is currently on a small scale—ranging from hundreds of nanowatts to a few microwatts—the researchers are optimistic about the potential for scaling up the technology in the future.
The team tested the battery using radioactive materials such as cesium-137 and cobalt-60. While cesium-137, a common fission product in nuclear waste, generated 288 nanowatts of power, cobalt-60 produced a substantial 1.5 microwatts, sufficient to power microsensors. The size and shape of the scintillator crystal play a crucial role in energy production, with larger volumes absorbing more radiation and generating more light. Maximizing surface area also allows solar cells to produce more power.
The researchers view these findings as a significant step forward in power output and are now focused on enhancing the wattage output through scaling up the battery construction. In the short term, these batteries could find applications in radiation-heavy environments such as nuclear fuel pools or in nuclear systems used for exploration in challenging environments like deep sea or space. Their low maintenance requirements and long-lasting performance make them a promising energy solution for remote or hazardous settings.
Locks designed for long-term use in diamond batteries can significantly reduce radioactivity levels after being reused, making disposal safer. With the growing urgency to transition away from fossil fuels that contribute to climate change, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) projects a 2.5-fold increase in global nuclear power capacity by 2050. This presents an opportunity to explore ways to convert nuclear waste from reactors into valuable energy resources.
