Researchers at Xiamen University (XMU) have developed a radioisotope photovoltaic cell (RPVC) capable of functioning for over 50 years. Tests showed that the battery’s efficiency decreases by only 13.8% over a period equivalent to half a century of operation.

The new energy source is based on the strontium-90 isotope and utilizes the phenomenon of scintillation. Light flashes generated in a special material (GAGG:Ce — gadolinium-aluminum-gallium garnet doped with cerium) are captured by built-in photovoltaic cells and converted into electricity.

The developed waveguide structure (WLC) enables multilayer power scaling. A single RPVC module demonstrated a conversion efficiency of 2.96% and produced up to 48.9 μW, while the multilayer version reached 3.17 mW at an open-circuit voltage of 2.14 V and a short-circuit current of 2.23 mA.

According to the scientists, the element can be used to power spacecraft, navigation and meteorological equipment, as well as sensors in hard-to-reach areas.

ORIENT