Ionised Air Battery: Can a Potential Difference Exist?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of creating a potential difference using ionised air around radioactive materials and carbon nanotubes. It highlights that radioactive materials can ionise the surrounding air, and carbon nanotubes, due to their large surface area, may be capable of storing the ionised charge. The concept involves wrapping carbon nanotubes around insulated radioactive cores to explore potential differences. Additionally, it mentions existing methods of harnessing radioactivity to generate electric power through phosphor excitation, although the efficiency of this method remains low.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ionisation processes related to radioactive materials
  • Familiarity with carbon nanotube properties and applications
  • Knowledge of electric potential difference concepts
  • Basic principles of radiation and its interaction with materials
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  • Research the properties and applications of carbon nanotubes in energy storage
  • Explore the principles of ionisation and its effects on surrounding materials
  • Investigate methods for harnessing radioactivity for electric power generation
  • Learn about the safety protocols associated with handling radioactive materials
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Researchers in materials science, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in innovative energy generation methods involving radioactive materials and nanotechnology.

P K Pillai
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Radioactive material ionises the air around it.
Carbon nano tubes have an extremely large surface area, & could possibly "store" the ionised charge.
If a volume of carbon nano tubes is wrapped around a core of insulated radioactive material, can a potential difference exist between the wrapping & the core?
 
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Charge effects are challenging to manage, especially within a short radius of a radioactive core.
There have been efforts to harness radioactivity to create electric power directly by using the radiation to excite a phosphor. The emitted light then drives solar cells which produce electric power. The overall efficiency here is not high, but the setup is reasonably safe and robust.
 

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