Nuclear Waste Transformed: New Battery Generates Electricity from Radiation

Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a novel battery that converts nuclear waste into electricity using light emission. This technology combines scintillator crystals, which emit light upon absorbing radiation, with solar cells. Tests using cesium-137 and cobalt-60, byproducts of nuclear fuel, demonstrated the battery's ability to power microelectronics. The prototype, about 4 cubic centimeters, produced 288 nanowatts with cesium-137 and 1.5 microwatts with cobalt-60. While current output is small, researchers believe scaling the technology could yield watt-level power. Designed for use near nuclear waste sites or in space/deep-sea exploration, the battery itself contains no radioactive materials, ensuring safety. The team emphasizes the potential to transform nuclear waste into a valuable resource, offering a long-lasting, maintenance-free power source for remote, high-radiation environments. Further research will focus on scaling production and evaluating long-term durability.