March 2025 Mechanical Engineering Blog
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March 20, 2025
Innovative Battery Converts Nuclear Waste Into Electricity
Innovative Battery Converts Nuclear Waste Into Electricity
Researchers at The Ohio State University have unveiled a groundbreaking battery technology that has the potential to transform nuclear waste into a clean, efficient energy source. By utilizing gamma radiation from spent nuclear fuel, this innovation not only addresses the challenges of radioactive waste but also opens new doors for sustainable energy applications.
The core of this novel battery lies in scintillator crystals, which emit light when exposed to radiation. This light is then captured by solar cells, converting it into electricity. Compact yet efficient, the prototype measures just four cubic centimeters and has demonstrated promising results: generating 288 nanowatts with cesium-137 and an impressive 1.5 microwatts with cobalt-60. While these power levels may seem modest, they are sufficient to operate small sensors, with the potential for significant scalability.
Lead researcher Raymond Cao likened the process to “turning waste into treasure,” highlighting the immense potential of this technology. Nuclear power already accounts for around 20% of the United States’ electricity, yet its radioactive byproducts pose a significant challenge. This battery offers a dual solution—tapping into nuclear waste as an energy resource while reducing environmental risks.
Beyond its environmental impact, the design also makes this battery ideal for high-radiation settings, such as nuclear waste storage, space missions, and deep-sea exploration. Importantly, it remains safe to handle, as the battery itself does not contain radioactive materials.
Though still in its early stages, this innovation marks a crucial step toward a more sustainable, efficient future in energy and nuclear waste management. Learn more about this topic here.
The core of this novel battery lies in scintillator crystals, which emit light when exposed to radiation. This light is then captured by solar cells, converting it into electricity. Compact yet efficient, the prototype measures just four cubic centimeters and has demonstrated promising results: generating 288 nanowatts with cesium-137 and an impressive 1.5 microwatts with cobalt-60. While these power levels may seem modest, they are sufficient to operate small sensors, with the potential for significant scalability.
Lead researcher Raymond Cao likened the process to “turning waste into treasure,” highlighting the immense potential of this technology. Nuclear power already accounts for around 20% of the United States’ electricity, yet its radioactive byproducts pose a significant challenge. This battery offers a dual solution—tapping into nuclear waste as an energy resource while reducing environmental risks.
Beyond its environmental impact, the design also makes this battery ideal for high-radiation settings, such as nuclear waste storage, space missions, and deep-sea exploration. Importantly, it remains safe to handle, as the battery itself does not contain radioactive materials.
Though still in its early stages, this innovation marks a crucial step toward a more sustainable, efficient future in energy and nuclear waste management. Learn more about this topic here.
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