Use nuclear waste as electric power generator

The nuclear power plants generate about 18% of the total electricity in the US, according to the World Nuclear Association (WNA). This energy source does not release carbon, but produces radioactive waste that can be dangerous to the environment and remain in a state of operation after thousands of years.

For the purpose of reusing this waste, the research team from Ohio State University uses Scintillator crystals, materials with large density and glowing when absorbing radioactive, combined with solar cells to convert gamma radiation into electricity, Live Science On February 27, reported. New research published in magazines Optical Materials: X.

“The nuclear waste emits strong gamma radiation, a high -energy form that can penetrate most materials. Our equipment uses Scintillator, specialized materials to help absorb these gamma rays and convert their energy into visible light – Similar to the glowing objects in the darkness, but are promoted by radioactivity instead of sunlight. The universe and Raymond Mechanical High at Ohio State University, the main author of the study and explanation.

The prototype of the battery has a volume of only 4 cm3 – small, equivalent to a teaspoon – tested at the nuclear reactor lab of Ohio State University with two sources of radioactive Cesium -137 and cobalt -60. The battery produces 288 electric nanwatts when using Cesium-137 and 1,500 Nanowatts when using stronger radioactive cobalt-60 isotopes-enough to operate electronic systems such as microchip or emergency equipment. This power is much lower than the kilowatts needed to warm electricity, but the research team believes that in the future, the new technology can increase the scale to the watt or more.

The new battery will not be used in the home because based on the high amount of radiation around to operate. Therefore, the battery should be installed in locations with many nuclear waste. For example, the team imagined that the battery would be installed in nuclear systems for space and deep sea, where high radioactive amounts prevent the use of traditional power sources.

There are still some obstacles before the new technology is realized. According to high, the amount of radioactivity gradually damages both scintillator and solar cells. “Need to improve to create more durable materials, better radioactive resistance, ensure long -term life expectancy for the system,” Cao said.

If overcome, these batteries can be deployed in high radioactive areas and difficult to access. Due to less maintenance, they can become an attractive energy solution.