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Scientists develop battery that converts nuclear energy into electricity via light emission


A study published in Optical Materials: X outlines how ambient gamma radiation can be harvested to generate electricity for microelectronics. The prototype battery, measuring just four cubic...

Lead author Raymond Cao, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State, suggests that with an appropriate power source, these devices could be scaled up to generate watts of electricity, expanding their potential applications. Notably, while the battery harnesses gamma radiation – nearly a hundred times more penetrating than a standard X-ray – it does not contain radioactive materials, making it safe to handle. A larger volume enables greater radiation absorption and energy conversion, while an increased surface area enhances the solar cell's power generation capacity.

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