Description

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Context

Scientists at the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have developed the carbon-14 diamond battery an extraordinary technology capable of powering devices for thousands of years.

Features of the Carbon-14 Diamond Battery

Powered by carbon-14, the battery has a half-life of 5,700 years retaining half of its power even after thousands of years.

Operates by harnessing energy from the radioactive decay of carbon-14.

Works similarly to a solar panel but converts the fast-moving electrons from decay into electricity instead of light.

Encased in manufactured diamond ensuring:

Strength and resilience.

Safe containment of short-range radiation.

Continuous microwatt power generation in a secure manner.

Extracts carbon-14 from graphite blocks a byproduct of nuclear reactors offering a sustainable way to repurpose nuclear waste.

Applications of the Diamond Battery

Powers pacemakers, hearing aids and ocular devices eliminating the need for frequent replacements ensuring patient convenience and reliability.

Ideal for spacecraft and satellites providing long-term power without the need for recharging or replacement.

Useful in settings where conventional power sources are impractical such as deep-sea equipment or remote sensors.

Advantages of Diamond Batteries

Eliminates frequent battery replacement or recharging.

The diamond casing ensures the containment of radiation.

Utilizes nuclear waste reducing environmental hazards.

Suitable for a wide range of applications from medical to aerospace.

Carbon-14

Aspect	Details
Definition	Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon with six protons and eight neutrons.
Discovery	Discovered in 1940 by Martin Kamen and Sam Ruben.
Properties	Atomic number: 6 Half-life: ~5,730 years Emits beta radiation during decay.
Occurrence	Naturally formed in the upper atmosphere through cosmic ray interaction with nitrogen-14.
Uses	Radiocarbon dating: Determines the age of archaeological and geological samples. Medical applications: Tracers in metabolic research.
Environmental Impact	Minimal in nature but significant when released from nuclear reactors or weapons testing.

Diamond

Aspect	Details
Definition	Diamond is a crystalline form of carbon arranged in a tetrahedral lattice structure known for its hardness and brilliance.
Types	Natural Diamonds: Formed deep within the Earth's mantle under high pressure and temperature. Synthetic Diamonds: Created in laboratories (HPHT, CVD methods).
Properties	Hardest known natural material High thermal conductivity Transparent and optically brilliant.
Uses	Industrial: Cutting tools, abrasives, heat sinks. Jewelry: Gemstones. Scientific: Encasing materials in batteries.
Environmental Impact	Natural mining affects ecosystems. Synthetic diamond production is more eco-friendly but energy-intensive.

Types of Batteries

Type	Key Components	Advantages	Disadvantages	Applications
Carbon-Zinc Battery	Zinc anode, carbon cathode	Inexpensive, widely available	Short lifespan, low capacity	Flashlights, toys
Alkaline Battery	Zinc anode, manganese dioxide cathode	Longer lifespan than carbon-zinc batteries	More expensive than carbon-zinc	Clocks, remote controls
Lithium-Ion Battery	Lithium cathode, graphite anode	High energy density, rechargeable	Expensive, prone to thermal runaway	Smartphones, laptops, EVs
Lead-Acid Battery	Lead anode, sulfuric acid electrolyte	High power output, low cost	Heavy, low energy density	Automotive batteries, uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd)	Nickel oxide cathode, cadmium anode	Long cycle life, reliable under extreme temperatures	Toxic cadmium, memory effect	Emergency lighting, power tools
Nickel-Metal Hydride	Nickel oxide cathode, metal hydride	Higher capacity than NiCd, less toxic	Prone to self-discharge	Cameras, hybrid vehicles
Solid-State Battery	Solid electrolyte	Safer, higher energy density	High manufacturing costs	Next-generation EVs, aerospace
Carbon-14 Diamond	Carbon-14 isotope, diamond encasing	Extremely long lifespan, sustainable	Limited power output, expensive	Medical devices, space missions, sensors

Sources:

WIONNEWS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about Carbon-14:

Carbon-14 has a half-life of approximately 5,730 years and is commonly used in radiocarbon dating.
Carbon-14 emits gamma radiation during decay.
Carbon-14 is naturally formed in the atmosphere through the interaction of cosmic rays with nitrogen-14.

Options:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of ~5,730 years widely used for dating archaeological and geological samples.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Carbon-14 emits beta radiation not gamma radiation during decay.

Statement 3 is correct. Carbon-14 is formed when cosmic rays collide with nitrogen-14 in the atmosphere.