A research team led by Professor In Soo-il from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) recently developed a beta battery that directly consolidates radioactive isotope electrodes and perovskite absorption layers.
As the miniaturization of electronic devices accelerates, the demand for new power supply technologies that can minimize charging cycles surges. However, lithium and nickel-based batteries currently in widespread use have short lifespans and are vulnerable to heat and humidity, showing limitations in extreme environments. As an alternative to overcome these limitations, the technology of "betavoltaic cells," which can provide stable power for years to decades, is gaining attention.
Beta batteries are systems that produce power using beta particles emitted during the natural decay process of radioactive isotopes, theoretically capable of operating for decades without maintenance. Notably, beta particles cannot penetrate the skin, giving them an excellent advantage in terms of biological safety. However, practical research outcomes have been rare due to the challenges of handling radioactive materials and ensuring material stability.
To address these challenges, the research team implemented a hybrid quantum beta battery that combines carbon-14 based electrodes with high-efficiency perovskite absorption layers. In particular, through additives such as methylammonium chloride (MACl) and cesium chloride (CsCl), they precisely controlled the crystalline structure of the perovskite, significantly enhancing charge transport characteristics.
This enabled the team to achieve both the stability of power output and energy conversion efficiency. The developed beta battery demonstrated approximately 560,000 times enhanced electron generation compared to initial beta emissions and proved excellent performance by maintaining output stability even in continuous operation environments of up to 9 hours.
The new technology can supply stable power for extended periods without separate charging, and is being recognized as a next-generation energy technology with high potential for applications in fields requiring long-term power independence, such as space exploration, implantable medical devices, and military equipment.
Professor In Soo-il noted, "This research is the world's first case demonstrating the practicality of beta batteries, accelerating the commercialization of next-generation power supply technology for extreme environments, and plans to advance miniaturization and technology transfer in the future." Co-first author doctoral student Lee Jun-ho said, "It's a tough research that challenges the impossible every day, but I approach it with a sense of duty as the future of our country is directly linked to energy security."
This recent work marks a considerable advancement in the field and provides a promising pathway toward the practical application of perovskite betavoltaic cells for energy generation in harsh environments where long-term, stable power is critical.
