Betavolt Technology, a Beijing-based startup, is in the process of developing a groundbreaking nuclear battery technology that could potentially eliminate the need for charging smartphones. Recent reports suggest that the Chinese company is exploring nuclear technology for various battery applications, with the capability to retain a charge for an astonishing 50 years, presenting the possibility of smartphones outlasting their users.

The functioning of this technology resembles batteries used in spacecraft and pacemakers, harnessing electricity through radioactive decay. Traditional nuclear batteries, however, have been avoided due to the use of plutonium, a highly radioactive metal. Betavolt has tackled this issue by creating a variant of the nuclear battery that incorporates a diamond semiconductor layer and a decaying nickel isotope.

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Notably, Betavolt claims that their battery produces no radiation and lacks the toxic elements commonly found in conventional batteries. This not only enhances safety by eliminating the risk of explosions but also showcases impressive durability, with effective operation in extreme temperatures ranging from -60 to 120 degrees Celsius.

The company has achieved the “miniaturization of atomic energy batteries,” fitting 63 nuclear isotopes into a module smaller than a coin. Named BV100, this module can deliver a charge of up to 100 microwatts, more than sufficient for modern smartphones. Despite its compact size (15 x 15 x 5mm), the nuclear battery can provide a remarkable voltage of 3V. For larger devices, the option to combine two or more batteries for increased charging capacity is available, according to Betavolt Technology.

While the project is still in its early stages, Betavolt aims to commence mass production soon. However, it is anticipated that it will be a considerable amount of time before this revolutionary technology is officially integrated into smartphones.