London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Sunday, Mar 16, 2025

China Introduces 'Zhulong' C-14 Nuclear Battery Expected to Last 5,730 Years

A significant advancement in micro-nuclear technology provides sustainable energy solutions for multiple uses.
Chinese researchers have introduced 'Zhulong', the country's pioneering carbon-14 nuclear battery.

Created by Northwest Normal University in Lanzhou and Wuxi Beita Pharmatech in Jiangsu, this innovative battery harnesses the decay of carbon-14—a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 5,730 years—to produce electricity.

It functions by capturing beta particles released during carbon-14 decay within a silicon-carbide semiconductor, leading to a steady flow of electrons.

This design promises a potentially long operational lifespan, making it ideal for uses in polar and deep-sea exploration, as well as aerospace endeavors.

The battery has achieved a short-circuit current of 282 nanoamperes, an open-circuit voltage of 2.1 volts, and a peak output power of 433 nanowatts, with an energy conversion efficiency of 8 percent.

When combined with energy storage modules, 'Zhulong' effectively powered a Bluetooth radio-frequency chip for both signal transmission and reception.

Moreover, an LED light powered by 'Zhulong' has operated uninterrupted for nearly four months, producing over 35,000 pulse flashes.

The battery's design boasts zero emissions and an energy density tenfold that of conventional lithium-ion batteries.

It can endure extreme temperatures ranging from -100 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius. Professor Su Maogen, who heads the research team at Northwest Normal University, noted that 'Zhulong' could function as a permanent energy source for medical implants, sensors related to the Internet of Things, and devices designed for extreme conditions, including lunar and Martian missions.

This advancement is part of China's wider ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in carbon-14 production. In April 2024, the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, operated by China National Nuclear Power Company Limited, successfully extracted carbon-14 targets from its pressurized heavy water reactor.

This accomplishment marked China's inaugural large-scale production of carbon-14 from a commercial nuclear power reactor, effectively reducing reliance on imports and establishing a comprehensive domestic supply chain.

The research team is actively working with Wuxi Beita Pharmatech to create the second-generation prototype, 'Zhulong 2,' which will incorporate entirely enclosed carbon-14 micro-nuclear cells. Testing of this new variant is expected to begin by year’s end.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
China Introduces 'Zhulong' C-14 Nuclear Battery Expected to Last 5,730 Years
Inquiry: Social Media Platforms Greenlit Advertisements Featuring Anti-Semitic and Anti-Muslim Material in Germany
U.S. Expels South African Diplomat Amid Escalating Tensions Over Discriminatory Land Seizure Policies
High-Ranking ISIS Official Slain in Collaborative Operation in Iraq
After countless Ukrainian lives lost, the nation in ruins, the economy in shambles, and vast numbers of the population having fled, NATO has "Announced" that Ukraine's membership is no longer being considered.
Connecticut Woman Accused of Keeping Stepson Imprisoned for Twenty Years
Bosnia and Herzegovina Encounters Political Turmoil Following Arrest Warrant Issued for Serb Leader
Meta Set to Introduce Community Notes Feature in March as Part of New Content Moderation Approach
Trump Family in Discussions for Investment in Binance
UK Prime Minister Suggests Significant Changes to the Governance of the National Health Service.
France Takes Strong Stance Against Potential US Tariffs on Alcoholic Drinks
Donatella Versace to Resign as Creative Director Following Almost 30 Years.
Trump's Ambassador Nominee Confirmed Canada’s Autonomy in the Face of Trade Strains
Netanyahu Rejects UN Conclusions on Gaza as 'Untrue'
Trump Speaks on the Possibility of a Ukraine Ceasefire Amid Continued Tensions
Trump Reaffirms Interest in Greenland Acquisition Amid Geopolitical Issues
French Prime Minister Bayrou Declares Position Against US Tariff Menaces
These are currently increasing in the UK.
Trump's Encounter with the Irish Prime Minister Takes an Unforeseen Twist Regarding Fashion and Economic Matters.
Isabel, a Russian native, wed Zahid Ali Khan, describing it as "love at first sight." She adores him for his character, not his $740 million fortune.
Chair Refers to Transgender Representative as 'Mr. McBride' During Congressional Meeting
The ICC's Revenge on Behalf of Drug Dealers, Against Philippine President Duterte, Who Fought Them and Saved 100 Million Filipinos from the Drugs-Death Industry—ignoring the fact that every victory comes at a cost
Canada Expresses Concerns Regarding U.S. Trade Policies Before G7 Meeting
FBI Alerts of Increasing Smishing Scams Aiming at Mobile Users
World Bank Officials Facing Examination for Travel-Related Carbon Emissions
EU and Canada Declare Countermeasures in Response to U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren: An In-Depth Exploration of Their Marital Struggles and Current Co-Parenting Efforts
Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Detained in Manila Under ICC Warrant
Mark Carney Chosen as Head of Canada's Liberal Party, Poised to Assume Role of Prime Minister
Russia Kicks Out British Diplomats in Escalated Tensions
Significant Rescue Effort in Progress Following Collision Between Tanker and Cargo Ship in the North Sea
Pope Francis Exhibits Signs of Recovery, Yet Remains Hospitalized
Report of Radioactive Coolant Leak at Europe’s Largest Nuclear Reactor
Trump Administration Launches Self-Deportation App for Undocumented Immigrants
Syria Wraps Up Military Campaign Amid Extensive Violence and Large-Scale Executions
Trump Remarks on the Arrest of a Pro-Palestinian Student at Columbia University
Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury to Resign Following Assault Conviction
Chancellor Rachel Reeves Prepares for Spring Statement Amid Economic Challenges
Home Secretary Denies Public Inquiry into Sir David Amess's Murder
UK Energy Bills to Increase by 80 Pence to Support Discounts for Households Near Pylons
Russian Teacher Under Investigation After Explicit Content Incident in Classroom
Poland Plans Comprehensive Military Training for All Adult Males Amid Enhanced Defense Initiatives
Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munitions Convention Amid Security Concerns
Escalating Vandalism Targets Tesla Amid Political Controversies
Former Security Adviser Cautions That UK Troop Presence in Ukraine May Last for Years
Demonstrations Break Out as Individual Ascends Big Ben Carrying Palestinian Flag
Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe Suspended Amid Allegations of Violence and Bullying
Private spacecraft Athena has successfully landed close to the Moon's south pole.
Trump Administration Unveils Gold Card Visa Program Exempting Foreign Assets from U.S. Taxation
Trump Holds White House Summit for Cryptocurrency Leaders Amid Financial Scandals
×