China's Betavolt Introduces BV100 Nuclear Battery with an Impressive 50-Year Lifespan.

Science and Technology

In April 2025, Beijing (China)-based Betavolt Technology Company Limited, a developer specializing in nuclear energy batteries, unveiled its nuclear-powered battery, BV100, capable of functioning for up to 50 years on a single charge. This technological breakthrough represents a major leap in energy storage innovation, offering promising applications in medical devices, aerospace systems, and remote sensing technologies.


      - The BV100 is a coin-sized nuclear battery that utilizes Nickel-63, a radioactive isotope, as its core energy source. It boasts an energy density 10 times higher than traditional Lithium-ion batteries, enabling compact, long-lasting power solutions.

      - The battery provides a continuous output of 100 microwatts (μW) at 3 volts (V) and does not require charging or maintenance throughout its entire operational lifespan.

      - It is engineered to operate reliably across extreme temperature ranges — from -60°C to +120°C — without the risk of explosion or fire, ensuring safety in high-demand environments.

Main Point :-   (i) The battery functions as Nickel-63 decays, emitting high-speed beta particles (electrons) that strike a semiconductor layer. This interaction generates electron-hole pairs, which are then converted into electric current.

      (ii) After 50 years, Nickel-63 decays into stable, non-radioactive copper, making the battery environmentally safe post-use.


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