Scientists at Ohio State University and the University of Toledo have made a significant breakthrough in developing a new type of photovoltaic battery that runs on the energy given off by nuclear waste. The battery uses a scintillator crystal to transform gamma rays into electricity, producing more than a microwatt of power. This innovation could potentially power microelectronic devices and offer a viable option for harvesting ambient radiation that would otherwise be wasted.
Forecast for 6 months: Expect increased research and development in the field of nuclear photovoltaic batteries, with potential partnerships between universities and industry leaders. This could lead to the development of more efficient and cost-effective batteries.
Forecast for 1 year: Within the next year, we can expect to see the first commercial applications of nuclear photovoltaic batteries, potentially in the form of small-scale power generation for microelectronic devices. This could lead to a significant reduction in energy costs for industries that rely on these devices.
Forecast for 5 years: In the next five years, nuclear photovoltaic batteries could become a mainstream technology, with widespread adoption in industries such as aerospace, medicine, and energy. This could lead to significant advancements in fields such as space exploration and medical research.
Forecast for 10 years: By the end of the decade, nuclear photovoltaic batteries could become a key component of the global energy mix, providing a sustainable and reliable source of power. This could lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a shift towards a more circular economy.
