Nuclear waste powered battery created

Admin

March 6, 2025
2 min read

Researchers have developed a battery capable of converting nuclear waste into electricity using light emission, a breakthrough that could have significant implications for energy production. The study, led by The Ohio State University and published in Optical Materials: X, demonstrates how ambient gamma radiation can be harnessed to generate power.

Nuclear power plants produce around 20% of the electricity in the United States with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. However, they also generate radioactive waste, which poses disposal challenges. The new battery design combines scintillator crystals—high-density materials that emit light when exposed to radiation—with solar cells to transform this energy into electricity. Tested at Ohio State’s Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, the prototype measures just 4 cubic centimetres.

The battery was evaluated using two radioactive isotopes, cesium-137 and cobalt-60, both common byproducts of spent nuclear fuel. With cesium-137, it generated 288 nanowatts, while cobalt-60, a much stronger isotope, produced 1.5 microwatts—enough to power tiny sensors. Though current household and electronic devices require power in kilowatts, lead researcher Professor Raymond Cao believes the concept could be scaled up to operate at the watt level.

Designed for use in nuclear waste storage pools and extreme environments such as space and deep-sea exploration, these batteries are not intended for public use. Despite the high penetration of gamma radiation, the battery itself does not contain radioactive material, making it safe to handle.

The researchers discovered that the size and shape of the scintillator crystal affect electrical output. Larger volumes absorb more radiation, enhancing energy conversion, while greater surface areas improve solar cell efficiency. Co-author Ibrahim Oksuz described the results as a breakthrough in power output, though he noted that further advancements are needed to generate higher wattage.

Scaling up the technology remains a challenge due to cost and manufacturing feasibility. Future studies will explore the longevity and practical applications of these batteries. Nevertheless, the researchers believe this innovation has the potential to revolutionise energy production and sensor technologies in radiation-rich environments.

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