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Physical viability for nuclear batteries

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Abstract

Nuclear batteries are devices that provide electrical power by converting the energy of radioactive decays. Their full operational potential depends on the actual limits set by the specific power (W/g) released by a radioisotope. This paper analyzes the main features of α-, β‒- or γ-emitting radioisotopes most qualified to run nuclear batteries, and provides updated values of specific power released by their decays as well as specific total energy (kWh/g) supplied over a given working period. When it is the case, the contribution coming from the daughter radionuclide is also taken into account.

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This research did not receive any specific grants from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Físicas - CBPF/MCTI, Rua Dr. Xavier Sigaud 150, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22290-180, Brazil

    Odilon A. P. Tavares

  2. Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Universita degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica s/n, 00133, Rome, Italy

    Maria Letizia Terranova

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  1. Odilon A. P. Tavares
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  2. Maria Letizia Terranova
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Correspondence to Maria Letizia Terranova.

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Tavares, O.A.P., Terranova, M.L. Physical viability for nuclear batteries. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 332, 3933–3942 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-023-09034-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-023-09034-9

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