A review of nuclear batteries

Temperature effect on betavoltaic microbatteries based on Si and GaAs under 63 Ni and 147 Pm irradiation

“…A betavoltaic microbattery has potential long life, high energy density, stability, miniaturization, no external power supply, which make it compact and light, with small footprint. These characteristics are modified with the development of micropower [3][4][5]. In 2002, Blanchard's research team demonstrated that the energy released from a radioactive element could serve as a power source of a MEMS [6].…”

Radioluminescent nuclear batteries with different phosphor layers

“…A nuclear microbattery, which is used to transform the decay energy of radioisotopes into electrical energy, is a potential candidate as an energy supply for MEMS [1]. Among the numerous competing types of nuclear microbatteries, betavoltaic microbatteries have been extensively examined [2][3][4][5][6][7]. The development of miniature satellites resulted in higher density requirements for the power supply, motivating the exploration of high-energy radioactive isotopes, such as 147 Pm and 241 Am.…”

Formation and study of properties of Ta and Mo nanocluster films

“…Their advantages are long, stable operation, the lack of maintenance, and the possibility of forming radioisotope sources of micron sizes. The most efficient way to convert the energy released during nuclear decay into electric one is based on thermoelectric conversion [4] and is known as Seebeck effect. However, modern semiconductor thermoelectric materials don't have sufficient efficiency for use in such systems.…”