Abstract
The literature on direct conversion of radioisotope energy to electricity is reviewed. Considerations of the choice of radioisotope, converter, and device design are discussed. Recommendations for maximum specific power, energy, and lifetime based on available radioisotopes are made. It is found that nuclear batteries have the potential to achieve specific powers of 1–50 mW/g. Devices that utilize the beta emitter titanium tritide (TiT2) as the isotope are found to have the most potential in the short term to meet the combined performance objectives. TiT2 based devices have a specific power of 0.83 mW/g. Higher specific powers are achievable with the alpha emitter Am241 but with significantly reduced operational lifetime. In order to realize the full operational potential of Am241, radiation resistant converter materials will need to be developed.
Highlights
The original discovery of the electron-voltaic effect induced by beta particles was published during the same time period the work on the photovoltaic effect was reported (Rappaport, 1954)
The photovoltaic effect exploited in solar cells has become important for renewable energy sources, the electron-voltaic or alphavoltaic effect has been largely ignored due to the small amount of energy continuously generated in demonstration devices
The performance of a nuclear battery is bounded for 4 parameters: the energy density of the radioisotope, the energy of the emitted particle, the bandgap of the charge collector, and the collection efficiency of the charges generated by the high-energy particle
Summary
The original discovery of the electron-voltaic effect induced by beta particles (high energy electrons resulting from radioisotope decay) was published during the same time period the work on the photovoltaic effect was reported (Rappaport, 1954). Radioisotope based devices have the highest energy densities of any technology but deliver only small amounts of continuous power. This review will be limited to discussions on devices that utilize the electron-voltaic or alphavoltaic effect and highlighting the power limitations of radioisotope based battery technology. The performance of a nuclear battery is bounded for 4 parameters: the energy density of the radioisotope, the energy of the emitted particle, the bandgap of the charge collector, and the collection efficiency of the charges generated by the high-energy particle.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
