Extremely high energy density batteries?

In summary: Nuclear decay cannot be reversed, so it cannot be used as a way to recharge a battery. However, there are devices called Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators that use the heat generated from decaying radioactive elements to produce electricity. These were commonly used in the past for remote power generation and are still used to power some satellites. They are not considered traditional batteries, but rather energy storage devices. Unfortunately, they are not commonly used due to cost and safety concerns.
  • #1
jerich1000
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Are there articles written on exotic, ultimate batteries? I'm not referring to those for hybrid cars, but those that have energy densities up to that of nuclear fuels or higher.

Rather than batteries that operate via chemical oxidation and reduction, is there a theoretical type of battery that provides energy resulting from the decay of certain particles, and the recharging of the battery would be to reverse that process.

Obviously such batteries are not used today because of cost or other reasons.

Could any of you give me some links?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
See Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator. They were pretty popular in the 50's and 60's for remote power generation. The US has since cleaned up most of theirs, but the Russian government seems to have lost track of more than a few. They remain pretty popular for powering satellites.
 
  • #3
First, let me say that a Battery is an array of electrochemical cells. Other devices that do not use electrochemical cells are not batteries. However let us assume that you meant energy storage devices.

A fairly good overview of energy storage can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_storage

Note that none of the examples in that article are nuclear. That simply isn't an option expect in extreme situations, such as spacecraft .
Rather than batteries that operate via chemical oxidation and reduction, is there a theoretical type of battery that provides energy resulting from the decay of certain particles, and the recharging of the battery would be to reverse that process.

To my knowledge this is not possible.
 

1. What are extremely high energy density batteries?

Extremely high energy density batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that can store a large amount of energy in a small and compact size. They have a higher energy density compared to traditional batteries, meaning they can hold more energy per unit volume or weight.

2. How do extremely high energy density batteries work?

These batteries work by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. They use advanced materials and designs to increase the amount of energy that can be stored within the battery. This allows them to hold more energy and provide longer-lasting power.

3. What are the benefits of extremely high energy density batteries?

Some of the main benefits of these batteries include longer battery life, smaller size and weight, and higher power output. They are also more environmentally friendly as they can be recharged and reused multiple times, reducing the amount of waste generated from single-use batteries.

4. What are the limitations of extremely high energy density batteries?

The main limitation of these batteries is their high cost. They typically require expensive materials and manufacturing processes, making them more expensive than traditional batteries. They may also have safety concerns due to their high energy density, and proper handling and storage is important.

5. How are extremely high energy density batteries being used?

These batteries are being used in a variety of applications, including electric vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy storage. They are also being researched for potential use in aerospace and military applications. As technology advances and costs decrease, we can expect to see even more uses for extremely high energy density batteries in the future.

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