China Pioneers Miniaturized Nuclear Batteries: Coin-Sized Energy Sources with Decades-Long Lifespan

Beijing – In a development poised to fundamentally transform the way electronic devices are powered, Chinese company Betavolt has unveiled a prototype of a coin-sized nuclear battery capable of operating for decades without recharging or maintenance.

This technology promises to redefine reliability standards in critical sectors, from medical implants to industrial sensors and space missions.

Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which degrade over time and require periodic recharging, nuclear batteries harness beta emissions from radioactive isotopes. Electrons released by these emissions are captured by semiconductor materials, generating a constant, stable, and long-lasting electric current. While power output is modest – the BV100 prototype delivers around 100 microwatts – its longevity is exceptional, with a projected lifespan of up to 50 years.

The technology, known as betavoltaic, does not involve chain nuclear reactions or high temperatures. The BV100 uses nickel-63, an isotope that emits low-energy beta particles, offering significantly higher safety compared to traditional radioactive sources that rely on alpha or gamma radiation.

Its compact size makes it ideal for applications where long-term reliability is paramount: pacemakers, industrial sensors in hard-to-reach locations, space instrumentation, and next-generation microelectronics. Betavolt is also developing a 1-milliwatt version intended for watches, sensors, and wearable health-monitoring devices.

Meanwhile, researchers at Gansu University are exploring a revolutionary carbon-14 battery, designed to last up to a century without intervention. Integrated into artificial diamond structures, carbon-14 – with a half-life of over 5,000 years – could enable energy sources that outlast the devices they power by decades.

Global interest in miniaturized nuclear batteries is growing: the U.S., Russia, and the U.K. are investing heavily in research and development. However, in terms of miniaturization and transition to commercial products, China appears to be leading the international race.

While this technology will not soon replace laptop or smartphone batteries, its value is clear in critical environments where recharging or replacement is impossible or risky. The path is set: nuclear batteries are becoming smaller, safer, and more durable than many imagined, paving the way for a revolution in long-term energy sources.