By Habeeb Ibrahim
Two Nigerian engineers Fatima Salisu and Eseosa Ekanem are among the scientists at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Bristol who have developed what they describe as the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery.
The innovation, capable of powering devices for thousands of years, was unveiled at the UKAEA’s Culham campus in Oxfordshire.
The battery utilizes carbon-14, a radioactive isotope, to generate electricity. It works by capturing fast-moving electrons emitted during the decay of carbon-14, much like how solar panels use photons from sunlight. These electrons are encased within lab-grown diamonds, ensuring the battery is safe and sustainable.
Speaking on the breakthrough, Fatima Salisu said, “This has been our home for the past couple of years, working tirelessly to create a diamond battery. The collaboration with scientists and engineers has been incredible.”
Highlighting the environmental benefits, Fatimah Sanni, a senior engineer at UKAEA, explained, “This technology produces no waste. When disposal is necessary, the battery can be sent back to the manufacturer, where the carbon-14 is captured and reused, making the process entirely sustainable.”
Eseosa Ekanem, another Nigerian-born senior engineer, provided insights into the design. “The diamonds are lab-grown, and carbon-14 is embedded within them. Being a hard substance, the diamond absorbs the radiation, preventing it from escaping. This makes the battery exceptionally safe,” Ekanem said.
The battery’s durability is another standout feature. With a half-life of 5,700 years, it retains 50% of its power even after 5,000 years, making it ideal for use in inaccessible or hazardous environments.
Stephen Wheeler, Director of Fusion at UKAEA, highlighted potential applications. “This technology is particularly suited for powering devices in space, deep-sea locations, or hazardous environments. It could also be used in medical implants like pacemakers and hearing aids,” he stated.
Professor Tom Scott of the University of Bristol described the innovation as a significant milestone. “Our micropower technology can revolutionize energy solutions, supporting applications from space exploration to medical devices. The focus now is scaling production and enhancing performance over the next decade,” he said.
Efforts are underway to make the carbon-14 diamond battery an affordable and sustainable alternative to conventional alkaline batteries, with the potential to transform energy storage across various industries.
