Scientists have reached a major milestone in energy storage efforts by creating a nuclear battery capable of converting nuclear waste into electricity.
A team of scientists in the US has already tested the next-generation battery with a prototype device that is capable of collecting the right amount of nuclear radiation and powering microchips.
Nuclear batteries are known for their potential to generate electricity for years without charging or maintenance.
This advanced battery, created by researchers at Ohio State University, collects gamma rays from used nuclear fuel and converts them into light using scintillator crystals. The light is later converted into electricity with the help of solar cells.
Research leader and university professor Raymond Kao said that this is taking something that was considered waste and turning it into treasure.
The research was published in the journal Optical Materials: X.
