Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

smartphone

technology

China

power

energy

nuclear

batteries

Betavolt

Do you find yourself constantly lugging around your charger or power bank, unable to escape the never-ending quest for a power outlet?
It's disheartening to admit that in today's world, living without our phones and technology seems almost unimaginable. Virtually every aspect of our daily lives hinges on technology, and as our phones become increasingly sophisticated, their insatiable hunger for power becomes more evident. The quest for smartphones with enduring battery life persists, reflecting the evolving needs of users.
However, what if we dared to suggest a future where the need to recharge your phone becomes obsolete?
Chinese Startup Company Produces Nuclear Powered Battery
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f0f468a529ff16dcb3bd61f686ef30310ebf587e7e5504119666d5be66c46b9a" />
Just recently, Chinese startup company Batavolt Technology based in Beijing revealed a groundbreaking battery that could generate electricity for 50 years without the need of charging or maintenance. According to the company, their nuclear battery is the world&rsquo;s first to achieve the miniaturization of atomic energy which incorporates 63 nuclear isotopes into a module that&rsquo;s smaller than a coin.
<img src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExc3JiOGs1eW40bzdkNHVqc29oajJtbTl1dDEzZGRtcjZqbWgwdHhkeiZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/fAJYfnS5oLSuyNpKm9/giphy.gif" alt="Agents Of Shield Yes GIF by ABC Network" />
Betavolt says that the pilot testing phase of this next-generation battery has already been initiated and they are anticipating mass production for various commercial applications such as phones and drones. The company envisions the widespread use of these atomic energy batteries in aerospace, AI equipment, medical devices, microprocessors, advanced sensors small drones, and micro-robots. This innovation enables China to position itself at the forefront of the AI technological revolution in innovative energy solutions.
Under China's 14th Five-Year Plan, aimed at strengthening the country's economy between 2021 and 2025, the quest to miniaturize and commercialize nuclear batteries gained momentum. While research institutions in the US and Europe are also working on similar developments, Betavolt stands out with its compact design.
How Does The Battery Power Itself?
The battery harnesses energy from decaying isotopes, a concept explored in the 20th century and previously utilized in spacecraft, underwater systems, and remote scientific stations by the Soviet Union and the United States. However, these thermonuclear batteries were known for their high cost and bulkiness.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/58f934417ed8ec185f93b99ce575c42121fd017943c323a13090e9223682a785" /> Left: A nuclear battery/Generator back then; Right: A Nani Diamond Battery
To provide some context, consider the 350V Nano Diamond Battery available in the market, with a current cost hovering around 20 USD (~RM92.87) per Nanowatt. By stacking a few hundred of these batteries, one can achieve a substantial 350V of energy that boasts an impressive lifespan of over a century. This innovative technology, while groundbreaking, comes with a price tag, equating to approximately 2 million USD (~RM9.28 million) per kWh.
<img src="https://media.tenor.com/Szfov54AhAEAAAAC/burning-money.gif" />
As for the battery invented by Betavolt, it can allegedly deliver up to 100 microwatts of power with a voltage of 3V, measuring 15x15x5 cubic millimetres. The company has ambitious plans to produce a battery with 1 watt of power by 2025.
Safety Concerns Behind Nuclear Energy 
The pressing question that often crosses our minds revolves around the safety of harnessing nuclear energy. Taking a step back into history, there are instances where the impact of nuclear energy has been far-reaching, transforming entire regions into uninhabitable zones and triggering enduring repercussions.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/846727b982c4661fc10fb8431e2ac6b2b1c8835c6a89cec87804d4594ce34db8" /> Left: The Chernobyl Disaster; Right: The Fukushima Daiichi Disaster
One of them was the Chernobyl nuclear disaster that occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Pripyat, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now Ukraine). It remains one of the worst nuclear accidents in history. The disaster unfolded during a late-night safety test in Reactor No. 4 of the plan after a series of errors and a flawed reactor design had caused a sudden power surge which led to its explosion.
The explosion destroyed the reactor building and released a significant number of radioactive materials into the atmosphere which ended up having human and environmental consequences. To this day the area has been renamed as the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and a permanent structure called the New Safe Confinement has been built over reactor No.4.
The other would be the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster that occurred on March 11, 2011, following a massive earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Japan. The natural disasters led to a power outage at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, causing a failure in cooling systems and subsequent meltdowns in three of its reactors. This led to the release of radioactive materials into the environment. While prompt evacuations minimized direct casualties from the nuclear incident, the disaster had significant environmental, economic, and social consequences. It prompted global concerns about nuclear safety, leading to reassessments of nuclear power policies and increased focus on disaster preparedness and response measures.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/2727/fukushima-water-release-triggers-outcry-is-malaysian-seafood-at-risk">Fukushima Water Release Triggers Outcry &ndash; Is Malaysian Seafood At Risk?</a>
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4d1d1d9057b397e3e4c9751b3eae0e6e3e6d0abfb51aee88931af45ed17bf6b4" />
Betavolt emphasizes the safety of its atomic energy battery, noting no external radiation and suitability for use in medical devices like pacemakers, artificial hearts, and cochlear implants. Additionally, after the decay period, the isotopes transition into a stable, non-radioactive isotope of copper, posing no threat or pollution to the environment. The layered design ensures resistance to fire or explosions in response to sudden force and allows operation in temperatures ranging from -60&deg;C to 120&deg;C.
While the concept sounds incredibly promising, one can't help but be cautiously optimistic, hoping that this revolutionary battery brings more benefits than drawbacks. The potential consequences could mirror the plot of the movie 'Knight and Day,' where Tom Cruise strives to prevent an energy battery, capable of nuclear applications, from landing in the wrong hands.
The idea of a battery enduring for 50 years is undeniably impressive, especially considering the relatively short lifespan of our smartphones, typically lasting between 4-5 years at most. However, a lingering concern arises when it comes to the eventual disposal of these devices.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media, Android Authority &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a> and <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a> for more updates.

The best part is no radiation can escape and there will be no toxic chemicals produced.

ac787a7a594128754bb595db68200ece8d65ce334f9e6a5838d6c1a49aa92fb7

Chinese Startup Invents Nuclear Battery That Could Potentially Power Your Phone For 50 Years

d9d56c8e5c29847e2917983575418651c94c72608ef9e914a6542c4a698d7349

Scentify

e891e864574960ae21e3a00f338f06377dd53af0baffdac1786ad4ed7dad7721

Oatside

c6e5412e94f35f5e45d8d645b31f06c7e7692356c43e40dffb5b8af1b8e8c3a9

Rohto

4a748b89ff3ed827c2f616757f44645a494284ce781ca71dce7bf93343f62cd4

Chinese Startup Invents Nuclear Battery That Could Potentially Power Your Phone For 50 Years

The best part is no radiation can escape and there will be no toxic chemicals produced.

Latest News

Teen Couple Charged With Murder Of Cyberjaya Student, Facing Possible Death Penalty

Malaysia To Welcome New Giant Pandas Chen Xing And Xiao Yue From China

Viral 'Aura Farming' Trend Sparks Cultural Row As Indonesia Rejects Malaysian Claims Over Pacu Jalur

Malaysia Moves Closer To Introducing National Anti-Scalping Law

Malaysian Actress & Pageant Winner Alleges Assault By Temple Priest In Selangor

Related Articles

Teen Couple Charged With Murder Of Cyberjaya Student, Facing Possible Death Penalty

Malaysia To Welcome New Giant Pandas Chen Xing And Xiao Yue From China

Viral 'Aura Farming' Trend Sparks Cultural Row As Indonesia Rejects Malaysian Claims Over Pacu Jalur

Malaysia Moves Closer To Introducing National Anti-Scalping Law

Malaysian Actress & Pageant Winner Alleges Assault By Temple Priest In Selangor

Related Articles

Teen Couple Charged With Murder Of Cyberjaya Student, Facing Possible Death Penalty

Malaysia To Welcome New Giant Pandas Chen Xing And Xiao Yue From China

Viral 'Aura Farming' Trend Sparks Cultural Row As Indonesia Rejects Malaysian Claims Over Pacu Jalur

Malaysia Moves Closer To Introducing National Anti-Scalping Law

Malaysian Actress & Pageant Winner Alleges Assault By Temple Priest In Selangor