Optimization of Silicon parameters as a betavoltaic battery: Comparison of Si p-n and Ni/Si Schottky barrier

Rahmani, Faezeh; Khosravinia, Hossein

doi:10.1016/j.radphyschem.2016.04.012

Cited by 32 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…1) the optimization of planar coupling configuration using analytical and numerical methods was attempted with metal tritides and SiC (transducer), promethium‐147 ( 147 Pm) and SiC (transducer), and nickel‐63 ( 63 Ni) and 147 Pm with various semiconductor converters . Rahmani et al, Kim et al, and Wu et al used a combination of closed form equations and Monte Carlo simulations to maximize nuclear and electrical power output based on a defined domain (i.e., radioisotope source layer thicknesses and dopant concentrations of the semiconductor junctions). However, η was never maximized nor prioritized in these publications …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Rahmani et al, Kim et al, and Wu et al used a combination of closed form equations and Monte Carlo simulations to maximize nuclear and electrical power output based on a defined domain (i.e., radioisotope source layer thicknesses and dopant concentrations of the semiconductor junctions). However, η was never maximized nor prioritized in these publications …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, η was never maximized nor prioritized in these publications. [7][8][9][10][11] Optimization of 3-D coupling configuration with textured semiconductors and radioisotope source using experimental, analytical, and numerical methods was attempted with tritium gas and Si cylindrical array, 12 63 Ni and GaN pyramidal and cylindrical pillar array, 13 and 147 Pm and hexagonal array. 14 These textures semiconductor surfaces are produced from high aspect ratio microstructure technology (HARMST).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Planar and textured surface optimization for a tritium‐based betavoltaic nuclear battery

et al. 2019

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Summary Remote, terrestrial, and space sensors require sources that have high enough power and energy densities for continuous operation for multiple decades. Conventional chemical sources have lower energy densities and lifetimes of 10 to 15 years depending on environmental conditions. Betavoltaic (βV) nuclear batteries using β‐‐emitting radioisotopes possess energy densities approximately 1000 times greater than conventional chemical sources. Their electrical power density (Pe,vol in W/cm3) in a given volume is a function of β‐‐flux surface power density ()Pβ−, surface interface type between radioisotope and transducer, β‐ range, and transducer thickness and conversion efficiency (ηs). Tritium is the most viable β‐‐emitting radioisotope because of its commercial availability, low biotoxicity, half‐life, and low energy, which minimizes the penetration depth and damage of transducer. To maximize Pe,vol, tritium in solid or liquid form must be used in the βV nuclear battery. A Monte Carlo source model using MCNP6 was developed to maximize the Pe,vol of a tritium‐based βV nuclear battery. First, a planar coupling configuration with different tritiated compounds (ie, titanium tritide and tritiated nitroxide) and a semiconductor transducer (4H‐SiC) with thicknesses of 1 and 100 μm were modeled. The results showed that β‐‐source efficiency (ηβ), which is the percentage of energy deposited in the transducer, decreased as the tritiated compound's mass density increased. The highest Pe,vol was dependent on a combination of characteristics: specific activity (Am in Ci/g), mass density, and 4H‐SiC layer thickness. The tritiated nitroxide with the highest Am at 2372 Ci/g produced the highest Pe,vol at 2.46 mW/cm3. Second, a 3‐D coupling configuration was modelled to increase surface interfacing between the radioisotope source and textured transducer surface. 3‐D coupling configuration increased the percentage of energy deposited into the transducer because of more surface interfacing between the transducer and source in the same volume. The tritiated nitroxide was selected as the radioisotope source coupled with five different textured surface feature types. The Pe,vol as a function of textured surface feature and gap, where the radioisotope is located, width was calculated for 1‐ and 100‐μm 4H‐SiC layer thicknesses. Results showed that ηβ increased compared with planar coupling configuration (ie, approximately 56.2% increase over planar with cylindrical hole array) except with the rectangular pillar array. Still, the rectangular pillar array produced the highest Pe,vol at 4.54 mW/cm3 with an increasing factor of 2.29 compared with the planar coupling configuration.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Planar and textured surface optimization for a tritium‐based betavoltaic nuclear battery

et al. 2019

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“…The penetration depth of incident β-particles should match the absorbing material’s depletion width. EHPs generated inside the depletion region have a higher probability of accumulating and contributing to the ECE of the betavoltaic battery. , Therefore, the performance of the device will increase as the majority of radiation energy will be converted into electrical energy by the semiconductor. In the case of a mismatch between these two dimensions, the ECE of the device is reduced …”

Section: Insight Into Betavoltaic Batterymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Rahmani et al theoretically analyzed two types of Si-based betavoltaic structures, consisting of a p–n junction and Schottky junction . Their study used Monte Carlo simulations to tune parameters, such as doping concentration and thickness of the semiconductor region.…”

Section: Materials For the Betavoltaic Batteriesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Betavoltaic Nuclear Battery: A Review of Recent Progress and Challenges as an Alternative Energy Source

et al. 2023

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Nuclear energy is considered a suitable and eco-friendly alternative for combating the rising greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from excessive fossil fuel consumption. Betavoltaic battery is a form of nuclear technology that utilizes the decay energy of β-emitting radioisotopes to produce electrical power. Owing to its long shelf life, high specific energy density, and ability to work under extreme conditions, it has been a subject of considerable research attention in the past few years. Despite significant research on betavoltaic battery, several impediments to realizing high energy conversion efficiency and maximum power density have yet to be overcome. This Review Article comprehensively discusses the challenges and recent research progress of betavoltaic battery development. First, promising strategies for improving betavoltaic battery performance, theoretical principles, and equations for quantifying betavoltaic battery efficiency are discussed. Then a thorough overview of several β-radiation absorbing materials, such as traditional semiconductors, metal oxides, and organic/inorganic materials, is explored. Finally, the outlook for betavoltaic battery is discussed before concluding the review.

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A 4H–SiC betavoltaic battery based on a $$^{\textbf{63}}{\textbf{Ni}}$$ 63 Ni source

Liu

et al. 2018

NUCL SCI TECH

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Optimization of Silicon parameters as a betavoltaic battery: Comparison of Si p-n and Ni/Si Schottky barrier

Cited by 32 publications

References 17 publications

Planar and textured surface optimization for a tritium‐based betavoltaic nuclear battery

Planar and textured surface optimization for a tritium‐based betavoltaic nuclear battery

Betavoltaic Nuclear Battery: A Review of Recent Progress and Challenges as an Alternative Energy Source

A 4H–SiC betavoltaic battery based on a $$^{\textbf{63}}{\textbf{Ni}}$$ 63 Ni source

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