Victor EzejaFor ages, diamonds—a transparent and hard precious stone—have been known for use in producing pieces of jewellery among others. However, the latest scientific discovery has proven that they can also be deployed in producing valuable products other than rings, bracelets, and other ornamentals.
The groundbreaking discovery by scientists from the United Kingdom (UK) Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Bristol led to the the creation of diamond battery, being considered the world’s longest-lasting battery.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWhat is a Diamond battery?
A diamond battery is a type of battery that uses diamonds to convert nuclear energy into electrical energy. The battery works by using the radioactive decay of nuclear waste to generate electricity. The battery contains a small amount of nuclear waste, typically in the form of carbon-14. This waste is embedded in a diamond, which acts as a semiconductor. As the nuclear waste decays, it releases electrons, which are then collected and used to generate electricity.
Compared to normal batteries which merely last for a few months, the diamond battery is said to have the ability to last long as the half-life of carbon-14 is so long that it is said to last for about over 5,000 years.
Apart from its long-lasting source of energy, the diamond battery is also said to produce zero emissions or waste, making it a potentially cleaner source of energy. According to reports, another benefit of diamond batteries is being highly reliable as it requires minimal maintenance.
How Does Diamond Battery work?
The diamond battery is capable of producing low power levels by utilising the radioactive decay of carbon-14, which has a half-life of about 5,000 years.
It works in the same way as solar panels, which generate electricity from light. Rapidly moving electrons from within the diamond structure are captured by the battery instead of light particles.
The prototype batteries are 10 mm by 10 mm and up to 0.5 mm thick, making them thinner than a sewing needle tip.
Two Female Nigerian Engineers part of the Breakthrough
Members of the team that built the world’s first diamond battery that can produce power for thousands of years include two female British-Nigerians, Eseosa Ekanem and Fatimah Sanni, who are Senior Engineers at UKAEA.
In an interview with ITV News, a British TV channel, Sanni said they spent a couple of years trying to create diamond battery. She explained that they were looking at having a renewable energy sources to produce lesser waste and create a safer planet. “The diamond battery will revoluntionise the battery industry,” Sanni stated.
“We are using carbon-14 which has a half-life of about 5,000 years that’s a long time,” she explained, while highlighting the durability of the diamond battery. “Though it is a low power, but it last for a very long time,” she added.
On her part, Ekanem explained the process of making diamond batteries saying: “These batteries are made from diamonds that have been synthetically grown in the lab. “So, what we are basically trying to do is having the carbon-14 put into the diamonds, and diamond being a very hard substance, can absorb all the radiation and ensure that it doesn’t get out. And so, the actual battery itself is very safe.”
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Sanni also hinted that the diamond batteries can be used in small satellites, remote control, computer chips, and wrist watches.
She said the technology will be an affordable alternative to alkaline and lithium used in making batteries.
She expressed optimism that with widespread use, diamond battery can help mitigate climate change.
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Sanni joined the UK Energy Authority in 2017 as a Tritium Engineer. Before she left Nigeria to attend the University of Manchester, she had also worked at ExxonMobil.
Ekanem began his career as a Research and Development Engineer with the UK Atomic Energy Authority more than three years ago. She has also worked as a product engineer at Chevron and Harrowgate Energy Services Limited.
She graduated from Covenant University with a bachelor’s degree, Loughborough University with a master’s degree in advanced process engineering, and Imperial College, London, with a doctorate in chemical engineering.
Commenting on the involvement of the Nigerian women scientists in the team that built the diamond battery, a social media personality and broadcaster, Kemkem, said “the achievement underscores the brilliance and ingenuity of Nigerian scientists making waves on the global stage.” She further stated that the groundbreaking discovery also highlights the importance of investing in research and innovation to address the world’s pressing energy challenges.
“This breakthrough has positioned the team as pioneers in advanced energy solutions and a source of inspiration for the scientific community worldwide,” added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
