Wuxi Beita Pharmatech Co., Ltd., a Jiangsu-based company, has announced the development of Zhulong-1—a carbon-14 nuclear battery prototype with a potential lifespan exceeding 5,000 years. The project, created in partnership with Northwest Normal University, represents a leap in micro-nuclear battery technology and clean energy solutions.
How It Works
Nuclear batteries like Zhulong-1 generate electricity through radioactive decay rather than chemical reactions. Using carbon-14 isotopes (C-14) with a 5,730-year half-life, the battery pairs these isotopes with silicon-carbide semiconductors. Beta particles emitted during decay interact with the semiconductor to produce electricity, resolving longstanding issues such as energy conversion efficiency and stability.
Industry Impact
Zhang Guanghui, the project’s technical lead, emphasized that this innovation could reshape sectors requiring ultra-long-lasting power sources, including aerospace, medical devices, and deep-sea exploration. Wuxi Beita has already established a comprehensive C-14 production chain, positioning itself as a pioneer in isotope-based energy systems.
While commercialization timelines remain unspecified, the breakthrough highlights China’s growing advancements in sustainable technology and aligns with global efforts to transition from fossil fuels.
