First Carbon-14 battery which lasts 5,700 years without being recharged created by Scientists
Imagine a world where batteries never need recharging, where medical implants, satellites and even spacecraft can run for thousands of years without a single power failure. This isn’t science fiction, it’s the promise of the carbon-14 diamond battery, a revolutionary energy source developed by researchers at the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). With a lifespan of up to 5,700 years, this new technology could redefine the way we think about power, sustainability and even nuclear waste. This development uses a type of carbon-14 embedded in a diamond structure to generate a steady trickle of electricity over millennia. Neil Fox, Professor of Materials for Energy at the University of Bristol, has been part of the team advancing this technology. He and his colleagues are looking at ways to repurpose radioactive materials for use in long-duration power sources.
At the heart of this battery is carbon-14, an isotope better known for its role in radiocarbon dating. But rather than being used to measure the past, it is now being harnessed to power the future. The battery works by capturing the energy released during the radioactive decay of carbon-14 and converting it into electricity. This process is entirely self-sustaining, requiring no external input or charging. Encased in diamond, one of the hardest materials on Earth, the radiation is safely contained while the energy is steadily extracted. It is like a nuclear-powered version of a solar cell, except instead of harnessing sunlight, it captures the fast-moving electrons emitted during radioactive decay. Carbon-14 has a half-life of around 5,700 years, which means its radioactive decay continues at reduced levels for an extremely long period. Traditional batteries lose charge in days or years, but a diamond-based power cell has the capacity to deliver microwatt-scale energy for centuries. Researchers take carbon-14 from leftover reactor graphite, an approach that helps reduce nuclear waste. The diamond shell holds the radioactivity inside, ensuring minimal emissions outside the device.
One of the most exciting aspects of this battery is that it helps solve two problems at once, energy storage and nuclear waste disposal. The carbon-14 used in these batteries is extracted from graphite blocks, a by-product of nuclear reactors which would otherwise be discarded as radioactive waste. By repurposing this material into a long-lasting power source, the carbon-14 battery not only reduces nuclear waste but also provides a clean and reliable energy solution. Moreover, the diamond casing ensures that no harmful radiation escapes, making it completely safe for use in everyday applications. And when it does eventually need to be replaced (in thousands of years), it can be safely recycled. Fusion has been a focus for UKAEA, with intense work on controlling reactions inside a tokamak. This machine uses strong magnets to contain superheated plasma made from deuterium and tritium, two forms of hydrogen. The expertise developed in handling reactors and specialized materials has helped create safe processes for extracting and depositing carbon-14. The same knowledge enabled the building of a plasma deposition rig to grow the diamond layers. This collaboration has shown how insights from fusion can spark innovation in related fields.
“Diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power. They are an emerging technology that use a manufactured diamond to safely encase small amounts of carbon-14,” said Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA. These batteries can power tiny devices under the skin, like hearing aids or pacemakers. They can also support gadgets in remote places where swapping out batteries is not practical. The carbon-14 battery functions much like a solar panel, except it captures energy from electrons instead of photons. As carbon-14 decays inside the diamond shell, it emits high-speed electrons, which are converted into electrical current through the diamond’s semiconductor properties. This decay process happens continuously, without interruptions or external input. This means the battery can produce a steady trickle of electricity for thousands of years, making it ideal for ultra-low-power, long-duration applications.
The possibilities for this technology are game-changing. Because it generates continuous power at a microwatt level, the carbon-14 battery is ideal for applications where replacing or recharging a battery is either difficult or impossible.
・Remote and extreme environments:- Devices in deep-sea exploration, Arctic research stations and remote military operations could run without interruption for centuries.
・Medical implants:- Pacemakers, hearing aids and other life-saving devices could function for decades or even centuries without needing a battery replacement. This would eliminate the risks and costs associated with repeated surgeries.
・Aerospace and satellites:- Unlike solar panels, which require constant exposure to sunlight, these batteries could keep satellites and spacecraft running indefinitely. Space probes face limited sunlight the farther they travel. A carbon-14 power source could keep instruments alive long after solar panels become useless. Prolonged missions need minimal maintenance, and a slow, steady supply of electricity is ideal for sensors and communication beacons.
Radio frequency (RF) tags also stand to benefit when there is a need for identification over decades. Traditional batteries fade, but a long-lived power cell can keep tracking devices operational in orbit or harsh environments on Earth. Professor Tom Scott from the University of Bristol, one of the leading researchers on the project, believes this battery has limitless potential. “We’re excited to explore these possibilities with our partners in the industry and research sectors.” he said.
The diamond used in the battery isn’t natural. It’s grown synthetically through a process called plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition, where carbon-14 atoms are deposited in a thin film to form a diamond structure. Engineers at the UKAEA’s Culham Campus built a custom plasma deposition rig to create these diamond layers with precision. This rig enabled the controlled growth of carbon-14-infused diamond, safely locking the radioactive material in place while maximizing energy capture. "Our micro power technology can support a whole range of important applications from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants. We’re excited to be able to explore all of these possibilities, working with partners in industry and research, over the next few years,” said Professor Tom Scott, Professor in Materials at the University of Bristol. This low-power system can run on currents smaller than those used by LED lights. It may not power electric cars or smartphones, yet it offers a trickle of electricity that outlasts conventional energy storage. Plenty of laboratory testing lies ahead before carbon-14 batteries appear in everyday items. Handling radioactive materials requires strict oversight, and the cost of diamond production remains a factor to consider.
Collaborations between academic institutions and industry may unlock more efficient ways to produce these cells. If the approach scales, the technology could address waste reduction and ensure consistent power in fields where reliability matters most. Widespread adoption of carbon-14 batteries will depend heavily on public trust and transparent communication. While the radiation levels are extremely low and fully contained, the term “radioactive” still carries stigma which may hinder acceptance in consumer markets. Regulators will also need time to assess safety standards for manufacturing, usage and disposal. Long-term studies must confirm stability under real-world conditions. The technology may remain confined to specialized sectors such as aerospace, defence and implantable medical devices. The carbon-14 diamond battery is still in its early stages, but it represents a monumental shift in how we think about energy storage and sustainability. With its ultra-long lifespan, minimal environmental impact and ability to repurpose nuclear waste, it stands as a compelling alternative to traditional batteries. And while today’s rechargeable batteries last only a few years before needing replacement, this technology offers power which could last for generations or even millennia for the user's.
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