China unveils nuclear-powered battery with millennium-long lifespan

Chinese researchers have developed a carbon-14 (C-14) nuclear battery encased in silicon carbide semiconductor material, marking a major achievement in the nuclear battery technology. Developed by Jiangsu-based Beita Pharmatech in collaboration with Northwest Normal University, the prototype dubbed “Candle Dragon One” promises a theoretical operational lifespan of thousands of years.

The engineering sample has been under continuous testing for four months at Beita Pharmatech’s isotope lab, successfully completing 35,000 LED light pulses. Researchers have also integrated the battery with energy storage devices to power Bluetooth RF chips, successfully transmitting and receiving signals.

High Energy Density and Radiation-Free Design

The battery leverages a composite structure combining radioactive C-14 isotopes with silicon carbide semiconductors. Encasing the C-14 source within a silicon carbide shell ensures full absorption of emitted radiation, eliminating leakage risks and ensuring safe operation.

Tests conducted by the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, indicate an energy conversion efficiency exceeding 8% and an energy density of 2.2 Wh/g—roughly ten times that of mainstream lithium-ion batteries. The battery delivers a short-circuit current of 282nA, an open-circuit voltage of 2.1V, and a maximum output power of 433nW. Given C-14’s 5,700-year half-life, the battery theoretically offers continuous power supply for millennia.

Broad Applications in Extreme Environments

According to Beita Pharmatech’s vice president and director of R&D, Cai Dinglong, the nuclear battery operates across an extreme temperature range of -100°C to 200°C, with a performance degradation rate of less than 5% over a 50-year design lifespan. This technology holds significant potential across multiple sectors:

• Medical Implants – Providing a perpetual power source for brain-computer interfaces, pacemakers, and other implantable devices.
• IoT and Smart Systems – Supporting ultra-large-scale sensor networks and distributed intelligent systems.
• Harsh Environments – Enabling power solutions in deep-sea exploration, polar expeditions, lunar and Martian missions.
• Space Exploration – Sustaining long-term power for interstellar probes without maintenance.

“Beta-voltaic nuclear battery technology represents the next generation of micro-power solutions, driving transformation in advanced manufacturing, national security, and aerospace applications,” said Beita Pharmatech’s chairman, Dr. Li Gang.

Challenges and Future Development

Despite its longevity, the current micro-watt power output limits the battery to small-scale applications. Researchers acknowledge that further improvements in power density and efficiency will be necessary to unlock its full commercial potential.

Nuclear batteries, also known as radioisotope batteries, convert the decay energy of radioactive isotopes into electrical power through various mechanisms. With the technology at the nascent stage, scientists and engineers from the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Bristol reported in December 2024 that they had successfully created the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery.

While currently limited to niche applications, advancements in this technology could reshape the future of energy storage.