Can Ionizing Radiation Be Directly Converted to Electricity?

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The discussion centers on the possibility of directly converting ionizing radiation into electric energy without intermediate heat conversion. Participants explore mechanisms like beta-voltaics and magnetohydrodynamic generators (MHD) for charge separation and energy harvesting from radiation. Challenges include the short range of fission fragments in solids and the difficulties in using semiconductors for this purpose due to activation and radiation effects. Comparisons are made between the ranges of alpha particles and fission products, highlighting the technical obstacles in achieving efficient energy conversion. Overall, while the concept is appealing, significant technical hurdles remain in practical applications.
  • #31
snorkack said:
... diode including uranium dioxide ...
Whatever the method, the basic problem is that the starting point (radiation) is chaotic. This limits the efficiency.

Just a passing thought. Is there any paper somewhere what discusses alpha/beta decay as matter of (laser-like) induced emission?
 

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