Can you post a link? Thanks.andrew_bak said:According to a research
I googled through dozens of posts to find that claim. I don't recall exactly which one. It would be difficult for me to find the corresponding link.berkeman said:Can you post a link? Thanks.
One of the alternatives that could potentially be the answer to these problems is the "betavoltaic cell." These cells are a type of power source akin to photovoltaic cells that, instead of producing an electric current by capturing visible or ultraviolet light, creates electricity using a type of radiation (beta decay) generated internally by a radioactive material. The biggest issue with existing betavoltaic cells is their low conversion efficiency. This means that only a very tiny portion of the emitted radiation can be converted into electric energy.
In a recent study published in Chemical Communications and selected as the cover image of its July issue, scientists from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in Korea, led by Prof Su-Il In, explore a new technique to boost the performance of betavoltaic cells. To achieve this, they took a page from a technique previously used in photovoltaic cells: sensitizing dyes. In the proposed betavoltaic cell, the electrons in ruthenium-based dye used are "sensitive" to the beta radiation emitted by the radioactive source material. This means that electrons in the dye are more easily excited into higher energy states, making it easier for them to then jump from the dye to the material on the other pole of the battery, thus completing a circuit.
I see. So basically, by using a "sensitive" material would improve efficiency and altering the speed of the incident electrons has no effect? Thank you.berkeman said:I did a Google search of the first sentence of your first post above, and after accepting Google's suggestion of making betavoltaic one word, this was the first hit on the list:
https://phys.org/news/2020-09-betavoltaic-technology-dyes-energy-production.html
A beta-voltaic cell is a type of battery that converts the energy released from beta radiation into electrical energy. It consists of a radioactive material, such as tritium, and a semiconductor material, such as silicon, sandwiched between two electrodes. As the beta particles from the radioactive material interact with the semiconductor, they create a flow of electrons, generating a current.
The efficiency of beta-voltaic cells varies depending on the type of radioactive material and semiconductor used. Generally, the efficiency ranges from 1-10%, with some specialized cells reaching up to 25%. However, the efficiency of beta-voltaic cells is significantly lower than other types of batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries.
Beta-voltaic cells have a long lifespan, as they do not use chemical reactions to generate electricity. They also do not require external charging, as they continuously generate electricity from the radioactive material. Additionally, beta-voltaic cells can operate in extreme environments, such as high temperatures and radiation, making them suitable for use in space missions and other harsh conditions.
One of the main limitations of beta-voltaic cells is their low efficiency compared to other types of batteries. They also require a constant supply of a radioactive material, which can be expensive and difficult to obtain. Additionally, the use of radioactive material raises safety concerns and requires proper disposal methods.
Beta-voltaic cells have potential applications in remote or inaccessible areas where traditional batteries are not feasible. They can also be used in low-power devices, such as medical implants, sensors, and military equipment. In the future, beta-voltaic cells could potentially be used in larger-scale applications, such as powering buildings or vehicles.