Chinese scientists develop the first carbon-based nuclear battery, capable of lasting over 100 years, ideal for extreme conditions and medical devices.
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| China’s Zhulong-1 nuclear battery, using carbon-14, can function in extreme temperatures and last over a century, revolutionizing medical devices and exploration. Image: CGTN/ Inspenet |
Gansu, China — March 15, 2025:
In a groundbreaking development, Chinese scientists have introduced the world’s first carbon-based nuclear battery, the Zhulong-1, which promises to last over 100 years without requiring recharging. Developed by researchers at Northwest Normal University in Gansu province, this new battery has the potential to power pacemakers, spacecraft, and devices in extreme environments like the deep sea and polar regions.
Designed with a 50-year lifespan, the Zhulong-1 can function well beyond this time frame under harsh conditions. Its longevity is largely attributed to the carbon-14 isotope, which has a half-life of 5,730 years, making the battery capable of theoretically lasting thousands of years. The battery is not only durable but also eco-friendly, featuring low-carbon properties that could benefit China's growing renewable energy sector.
The Zhulong-1 harnesses beta particles from carbon-14, which interact with a silicon carbide semiconductor to generate a stable electric current. With tests conducted by the Hefei Institute of Physical Sciences, the battery has demonstrated remarkable stability and performance.
One of its standout features is its ability to function in extreme temperatures ranging from -100°C to 200°C, making it ideal for use in medical devices, space exploration, and harsh environments such as Antarctica. Furthermore, its energy density is 10 times higher than lithium-ion batteries, with minimal degradation of less than 5% over 50 years.
The development team is already working on a miniaturized and cost-effective version, the Zhulong-2, which could be released later this year or early next year. The new version will be the size of a coin, expanding the potential applications of this technology.