Rahul Somvanshi
Soochow University leads groundbreaking research on americium, a synthetic radioactive element with significant potential.
Photo Source: Google
Americium is derived from nuclear reactor waste and has diverse applications in various advanced technologies.
Researchers at Soochow University have embedded americium into polymer crystals to develop innovative micro-nuclear batteries.
These batteries convert alpha radiation into green light, which is then used by solar cells to generate long-lasting, reliable electricity.
Alpha radiation is easily shielded, making these batteries safe for humans when properly contained.
The novel design utilizes compact quartz cells, making the batteries ideal for use in confined or hard-to-reach spaces.
The batteries have demonstrated stable power output for hundreds of hours, showcasing high efficiency and long-term performance.
Potential applications include powering low-power sensors in remote or harsh environments where recharging is impractical.
This advancement could also power future submarines and spacecraft, overcoming past challenges faced in the development of nuclear batteries.
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