An Overview and Prospect of Nuclear Battery

• DOI: 10.11804/nuclphysrev.37.2019066
• Publication Date: 2020-12-30
• Authors: Xiaoyi Li; Jingbin Lu; Renzhou Zheng; Xu Xu; Yu Wang; Yumin Liu; Rui He; Lei Liang

The nuclear battery has many advantages, including high energy density, stable performance, no manual intervention etc., which can be widely utilized in cases requiring long-term reliable power supply. Among them, the Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTG) is earliest used and most technically matured one, while betavoltaic now commercialized. However, there are still some problems self-absorption effect, low conversion efficiency severe radiation damage restrict application of batteries. Additionally, for an actual battery, it should noticed that component density source will changed because decays continually, leads to electrical performance decline. In this review, major events development listed on a timeline, principles applications different types batteries also introduced. For existence effect pointed out as important scientific problem, with 63Ni TiT2 source, time-related properties obtained. This paper that, fine precise calculations very crucial optimized designing processes particular structure practical battery. Finally, researching assumptions combining converting material use structures heavier isotopes presented, benefit solve rise output reduce influence damage.