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BetaVoltaic Batteries ( BVB )
BROWN, Paul: NuCell BVB
https://worldwide.espacenet.com/advancedSearch?locale=en_EP
SEMICONDUCTOR BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY WITH INTEGRATED BETA EMITTER
US2025253067 [ PDF ]
An electrically inactive betavoltaic battery, an electrically active betavoltaic battery, and methods of making the same are provided. In implementations, a method of making an electrically active betavoltaic battery includes: providing an electrically inactive betavoltaic battery device having one or more diodes incorporating a semiconductor material layer having a stable non-radioactive isotope; and irradiating the electrically inactive betavoltaic battery device with thermal neutrons, thereby causing the conversion of at least a portion of the stable non-radioactive isotope to a radionuclide and creating the electrically active betavoltaic battery, wherein the semiconductor material layer acts as both an electron emitter and an electron absorber simultaneously.
RADIATION-TO-GENERATOR SYSTEM FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS
US2024071643 [ PDF ]
A radiation-to-generator (RTG) system includes an externally shielded cylindrical betavoltaic battery having sidewalls extending between an upper surface and a bottom surface. An external power electronic system is connected to the betavoltaic battery to receive power. The betavoltaic battery is configured to convert energy produced from radioisotope beta-decay to electricity that is configured to power the external power electronic system.
ANODE FOR BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF
US2024029910 [ PDF ]
The present invention relates to an anode for a beta battery and a method for manufacturing the same, characterized in that a quantum dot containing a radioactive isotope is provided on a radiation absorber and introduced as a beta ray source. The anode for the beta battery of the present invention comprises: a conductive substrate; a radiation absorbing layer; and a beta ray emitting layer.
PEROVSKITE BETAVOLTAIC-PHOTOVOLTAIC BATTERY
US2023402201 [ PDF ]
Provided are a perovskite betavoltaic-photovoltaic battery. The battery includes a first electrode, a first charge transport layer, a perovskite layer, a second charge transport layer, and a second electrode in sequence. The first electrode is a transparent electrode. The first charge transport layer is an electron transport layer and the second charge transport layer is a hole transport layer, or, the first charge transport layer is a hole transport layer and the second charge transport layer is an electron transport layer. The perovskite layer is doped with a fluorescent substance. At least one of the first electrode, the first charge transport layer, the second charge transport layer, or the second electrode is radioactive. When the first electrode and/or the second electrode is radioactive, the first electrode and/or the second electrode is an irradiated electrode formed by compounding a radioactive source and a conductor material.
BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY
US2023282384 [ PDF ]
The present invention relates to a betavoltaic battery comprising: a substrate; an intrinsic semiconductor unit disposed on the substrate; an N-type semiconductor unit and a P-type semiconductor unit that are disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the intrinsic semiconductor unit and arranged alternately; and beta ray sources that are disposed on the N-type semiconductor unit and the P-type semiconductor unit. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a betavoltaic battery, comprising the steps of: (A) forming an intrinsic semiconductor unit on a substrate; (B) forming an N-type semiconductor unit and a P-type semiconductor unit alternately by irradiating at least a portion of the surface of the intrinsic semiconductor unit with an ion beam; and (C) disposing a beta ray source on the N-type semiconductor unit and the P-type semiconductor unit.
CARBON ELECTRODE FOR DYE-SENSITIZED BETAVOLTAIC BATTERIES, BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
US2023090218 [ PDF ]
The present invention relates to a betavoltaic battery and a method of manufacturing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a betavoltaic battery characterized in that 14C, a radioisotope, is formed in the form of quantum dots and 14C is used as the cathode and the beta-ray source of the betavoltaic battery and a method of manufacturing the betavoltaic battery.
Electroplating Radioisotope Apparatus for Manufacturing Betavoltaic Battery
KR102795430 [ PDF ]
The present invention relates to a radioisotope electroplating apparatus for manufacturing a betavoltaic battery, comprising a plating bath for accommodating a plating solution containing a radioisotope for manufacturing a betavoltaic battery; an anode unit coupled to the plating bath to be arranged in an accommodating space where the plating solution is accommodated in the plating bath; a cathode unit supporting a supporting surface of a substrate arranged on the opposite side of a deposition surface so that the deposition surface of the substrate for depositing a radioisotope is entirely in contact with the plating solution; a main body to which the cathode unit is coupled; and an adsorption unit making the substrate supported on the cathode unit to adhere to the cathode unit by using adsorption force. According to the present invention, a plating layer can be formed on the entire surface of the deposition surface of the substrate, and therefore, the yield of the electroplating process can be improved.
Betavoltaic Battery and Method for Manufacturing Betavoltaic Battery
KR102489893 // KR102558788 [ PDF ]
The present invention relates to a betavoltaic battery and a manufacturing method of the betavoltaic battery. The betavoltaic battery comprises: a substrate; an n-type semiconductor part which is positioned on the substrate; an intrinsic semiconductor part which is located on the n-type semiconductor part; a p-type semiconductor region which is formed on at least a portion of the surface of the intrinsic semiconductor part; and a beta source which is positioned on the n-type semiconductor part or the p-type semiconductor region. The manufacturing method of the betavoltaic battery comprises: a step (A) of forming an n-type semiconductor part on a substrate; a step (B) of forming an intrinsic semiconductor part on the n-type semiconductor part; a step (C) of irradiating an ion beam on the surface of at least a portion of the intrinsic semiconductor part to form a p-type semiconductor region up to an arbitrary internal point of the intrinsic semiconductor part; and a step (D) of positioning a beta source on the n-type semiconductor part or the p-type semiconductor region. The betavoltaic battery and the manufacturing method of the betavoltaic battery can minimize the loss of beta particles.
Betavoltaic battery and method of manufacturing the same
KR102471615 [ PDF ]
The present invention relates to a beta battery in which a radioisotope is formed in a three-dimensional structure and a manufacturing method thereof. Disclosed is the beta battery which comprises: a substrate made of any one of a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor and having a trench recessed in one surface along a preset circuit pattern; an additive region made of the other one of the p-type semiconductor and the n-type semiconductor; and a radioisotope formed in a three-dimensional structure and inserted into the trench.
Method for Manufacturing Betavoltaic Battery and Betavoltaic Battery
KR102558788 [ PDF ]
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a betavoltaic battery, comprising the steps of: (A) forming an intrinsic semiconductor layer on a substrate; (B) forming an n-type semiconductor layer on the intrinsic semiconductor layer; (C) irradiating at least a partial surface of the n-type semiconductor layer with ion beams and forming a p-type semiconductor part by doping an area from the at least partial surface of the n-type semiconductor layer irradiated with the ion beams to an internal point of the intrinsic semiconductor layer; and (D) arranging a beta radio-isotope on the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor part. The present invention relates to a betavoltaic battery comprising: a substrate; an intrinsic semiconductor layer arranged on the substrate; an n-type semiconductor layer arranged on the intrinsic semiconductor layer; a p-type semiconductor part formed to be passed through at least a partial area of the surface of the n-type semiconductor layer and to be extended to an internal point of the intrinsic semiconductor layer; and a beta radio-isotope arranged on the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor part. The present invention can enhance fabrication yield.
BETAVOLTAIC BETTERY AND PRODUCING METHOD THEREOF
KR102180974 [ PDF ]
According to an embodiment of the present invention, provided is a betavoltaic battery which improves efficiency of an output current. The betavoltaic battery comprises: a first type of substrate; a second type of well formed on at least a part of the substrate; a first region formed of radioactive isotopes on the other part of the substrate; a second region formed of the radioactive isotopes in the well; a first electrode formed on an upper side of the first region; and a second electrode formed on an upper side of the second region.
Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) of Radioisotope and Phosphor Composite Layer for Hybrid Radioisotope Batteries and Radioluminescent Surfaces
US11875908 [ PDF ]
An electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process forms a radioluminescent phosphor and radioisotope composite layer on a conductive surface of a substrate. In the composite layer formed, the particles of radioisotope are homogeneously dispersed with the radioluminescent phosphor. The radioisotope may be a beta-emitter, such as Ni-63, H-3, Pm-147, or Sr-90/Y-90. By applying the composite layer using the EPD process, the electrode can be configured for betavoltaic, beta-photovoltaic and photovoltaic cells according to further embodiments. A direct bandgap semiconductor device can convert betas and/or photons emitted from composite layer. Methods and choice of materials and components produces a hybrid radioisotope battery, conversion of photons and nuclear decay products, or radioluminescent surfaces.
SMALL FORM FACTOR BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY FOR USE IN APPLICATIONS REQUIRING A VOLUMETRICALLY-SMALL POWER SOURCE
US11270807 [ PDF ]
A betavoltaic power source. The power source comprises a source of beta particles and a plurality of regions each for collecting the beta particles and for generating electron hole pairs responsive to the beta particle flux. A first set of the plurality of regions is disposed proximate a first surface of the source and a second set of the plurality of regions is disposed proximate a second surface. The first and second surface in opposing relation. A secondary power source is charged by a current developed by the electron hole pairs.
Modular betavoltaic isotope battery
CN110473648 [ PDF ]
The invention discloses a modular betavoltaic isotope battery. According to the modular betavoltaic isotope battery, a plurality of modular batteries are arranged in a battery case; each modular battery is provided with a high Z material shielding layer, a high molecular elastic material layer, a metal sealing housing, an elastic damping layer, and an unitary cell successively from outside to inside; each basic unit is provided with a lower circuit housing, an upper cover plate, an insulating layer, a lower circuit board insulating layer, a unitary cell, an upper circuit board, an upper luminescence ceramic chip, a lower luminescence ceramic chip, and a sealed radioactive source successively from outside to inside; the plurality of unitary cells are connected in series-parallel connection through a connecting circuit board, and the plurality of modular batteries are connected in series-parallel connection through the connecting circuit board. The multiple sealing and multiple damping structure and elastic structure electrical interconnection are adopted to improve user safety and reliability in transportation, storage, and using process.
QUANTUM DOT BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY
WO2019113842 [ PDF ]
A quantum dot betavoltaic battery, comprising a semiconductor nanotube array film (4) between a bottom electrode (5) and a top electrode (1). The inner wall of each semiconductor nanotube is coated with a quantum dot layer (7). The quantum dot layer (7) is coated with a solid isotope radiation source layer (3), or the tubular space enclosed by the quantum dot layer (7) is filled with a gas or liquid isotope radiation source. The introduction of quantum dots to the semiconductor nanotube improves the short-circuit current and the open-circuit voltage as well as the energy conversion efficiency of the betavoltaic battery.
A light guide component for a betavoltaic isotope battery
CN108877980 [ PDF ]
The invention provides a light guide component for a betavoltaic isotope battery. The light guide component comprises a reflection film layer, a light-emitting material layer, a side surface high-reflectivity layer and a transmission film layer. The reflection film layer is close to an isotope battery radiation source; the transmission film layer is close to an isotope battery transducer; the light-emitting material layer is in the shape of a thin sheet; the reflection film layer is located on the upper surface of the light-emitting material layer; the side surface high-reflectivity layer is located at the side surface of the light-emitting material layer; the transmission film layer is located at the lower surface of the light-emitting material layer. The high-reflectivity layer, the sidesurface high-reflectivity layer and the transmission film layer all have a thickness less than 4 [mu]m. The reflection film layer, the side surface high-reflectivity layer and the transmission film layer are single-layer materials or film structures consisting of multi-layer materials. The light guide component integrates a light-emitting material and light guide means for a betavoltaic isotope battery, so that light from radioluminescence materials is emitted from one side in a directed manner with high efficiency and the light emission power per unit area of the light-emitting materials isincreased while the size of the light-emitting materials is not increased.
A sealed radioactive source of a betavoltaic isotope battery and a preparation method thereof
CN108877979 [ PDF ]
The invention discloses a sealed radioactive source structure of a betavoltaic isotope battery and a preparation method thereof. The sealed radioactive source is composed of a lower layer metal support ring, a lower layer metal film, a radioactive source core, an upper layer metal film, a lower layer organic polymer film, an upper layer organic polymer film, a middle layer metal support ring and an upper layer metal support ring. The preparation method has the advantages of simple and easily-controllable processes and less radioactive source waste; the manufactured sealed radioactive source isuniform in activity distribution; less raw material is used and self-absorption of active layers is less; 4 pi utilization (double-face source) is realized, so that the maximum utilization rate of the radioactive source is achieved.
Quantum dot betavoltaic battery
CN107945901 [ PDF ]
The invention discloses a quantum dot betavoltaic battery, which comprises a semiconductor nanotube array film (4) between a bottom electrode (5) and a top electrode (1). The inner wall of a semiconductor nanotube is coated with a quantum dot layer (7). The quantum dot layer (7) is coated with a solid-state isotope radiation source layer (3), or the tubular space enclosed by the quantum dot layer(7) is filled with a gas or liquid isotope radiation source. Quantum dots are introduced to the semiconductor nanotube, thereby improving short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage and energy conversion efficiency of the betavoltaic battery.
RADIOISOTOPE ELECTROPLATING DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY
KR101841439 [ PDF ]
The present invention relates to a radioisotope electroplating apparatus for producing a beta voltaic battery, comprising: a cathode member on which a plated body is placed; a plating bath movably provided on an upper portion of the cathode member and seated on the cathode member to form a plating solution receiving space with the cathode member; an elevating mechanism for elevating and lowering the plating bath; an anode electrically connected to a plating solution filled in the plating solution receiving space; and a power portion for applying electricity to the cathode member and the anode. Electroplating can be implemented with a small amount of plating solution such that an amount of radioactive waste solution can be reduced, and the plating process can be automated in a closed space, thereby reducing a risk of radiation exposure of operators.
SMALL FORM FACTOR BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY FOR USE IN APPLICATIONS REQUIRING A VOLUMETRICALLY-SMALL POWER SOURCE
US11270807 [ PDF ]
A betavoltaic power source. The power source comprises a source of beta particles and a plurality of regions each for collecting the beta particles and for generating electron hole pairs responsive to the beta particle flux. A first set of the plurality of regions is disposed proximate a first surface of the source and a second set of the plurality of regions is disposed proximate a second surface. The first and second surface in opposing relation. A secondary power source is charged by a current developed by the electron hole pairs.
PRODUCING METHOD FOR A BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY
KR101546310 [ PDF ]
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a betavoltaic battery which includes a first step of preparing a radioactive isotope Ni-63; a second step of generating the radioactive isotope Ni-63 of a sulfate state by dissolving the radioactive isotope Ni-63 in a sulfuric acid solution; a third step of injecting the sulfuric acid solution with the dissolved radioactive isotope Ni-63 of the sulfate state into an electroless plating solution; a fourth step of electroless-plating a radioactive isotope layer (300) on one side of a pn junction semiconductor (200) by using the electroless plating solution, and a fifth step of drying and thermally treating the pn junction semiconductor (200) and the radioactive isotope layer (300).
SMALL FORM FACTOR BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY FOR MEDICAL IMPLANTS
US9647299 [ PDF ]
A betavoltaic power source. The power source comprises a source of beta particles, one or more regions for collecting the beta particles and for generating electron hole pairs responsive thereto, and a secondary power source charged by a current developed by the electron hole pairs.
BETAVOLTAIC POWER SOURCES FOR MOBILE APPLICATIONS
US9266437 [ PDF ]
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a long-life battery to be mounted on an electric vehicle or the like.SOLUTION: A betavoltaic power source for mobile devices, such as electric vehicles, and mobile applications includes a stacked configuration of isotope layers 20 and energy conversion layers 10. The isotope layers 20 have a half-life of between about 0.5 years and about 5 years and generate radiation with energy in the range from about 15 keV to about 200 keV. The betavoltaic power source is configured to provide sufficient power to operate the mobile device over its useful lifetime.
BETAVOLTAIC CELL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
KR20130119400 [ PDF ]
PURPOSE: A beta battery has improved surface area where a first semiconductor film and a metal structure are three dimensionally in contact with each other, thereby increasing the current amount per unit area and having excellent electrical efficiency. CONSTITUTION: A beta battery includes a metal structure (100) including a plurality of pores (102); a radioisotope source (130) filling the plurality of pores; and a first semiconductor (120) arranged between the metal structure and a radiation source. A manufacturing method of the beta battery comprises a step of forming a plurality of pores in a metal structure including a first metal; a first semiconductor film on the inner side of the pores; and a step of providing a radiation source filling the pores with the first semiconductor film.
BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY WITH DIAMOND MODERATOR AND RELATED SYSTEM AND METHOD
US9064610 [ PDF ]
An apparatus includes a beta particle source configured to provide beta particles. The apparatus also includes a diamond moderator configured to convert at least some of the beta particles into lower-energy electrons. The apparatus further includes a PN junction configured to receive the electrons and to provide electrical power to a load. The diamond moderator is located between the beta particle source and the PN junction. The apparatus could also include an electron amplifier configured to bias the diamond moderator. For example, the electron amplifier could be configured to receive some of the beta particles and to generate additional electrons that bias the diamond moderator. Also, the diamond moderator can be configured to receive the beta particles having energies that are spread out over a wider range including higher energies, and the diamond moderator can be configured to provide the electrons concentrated in a narrower range at lower energies.
Power-Scalable Betavoltaic Battery
US2013154438 [ PDF ]
A betavoltaic battery having layers of fissile radioisotopes 8, moderating material 7, beta-decaying radioisotopes 6, and semiconductor diode 4 & 5 adjacently stacked one above another, is proposed. Neutrons produced by the chain reaction in the fissile radioisotope 8 are slowed down by the moderating material 7 before penetrating into the layer of beta-decaying radioisotope 6 to cause fission. Beta particles produced from the fission of beta-decaying radioisotopes 6 create electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor diode 4 & 5. Electrons and holes accumulate at the cathode 9 and anode 2 respectively, producing an electromotive force. Because beta particles are produced from neutron-induced fission, instead of from beta decay, this betavoltaic battery is able to generate substantially more power than conventional betavoltaic batteries.
BETAVOLTAIC CELL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
KR20130029219 [ PDF ]
PURPOSE: A beta battery is provided to improve current per unit area and to have excellent electricity efficiency. CONSTITUTION: A beta battery comprises a metal structure(100) which comprises multiple pores(102); a radioisotope source(130) which fills the multiple pores; and a first semiconductor film(120) which is arranged between the conductive structure and the radioisotope source. The metal structure comprises copper, zinc, nickel, aluminum, manganese, silver, platinum, magnesium, palladium, titanium, and gold. The first semiconductor film is a first conductive type which comprises a nitride or an oxide of a metal which is the same as a metal in the metal structure.
Betavoltaic battery with a shallow junction and a method for making same
US8017412 [ PDF ]
This is a novel SiC betavoltaic device (as an example) which comprises one or more “ultra shallow” P+ N− SiC junctions and a pillared or planar device surface (as an example). Junctions are deemed “ultra shallow”, since the thin junction layer (which is proximal to the device's radioactive source) is only 300 nm to 5 nm thick (as an example). This is a betavoltaic device, made of ultra-shallow junctions, which allows such penetration of emitted lower energy electrons, thus, reducing or eliminating losses through electron-hole pair recombination at the surface.
Nuclear Batteries
US8134216 [ PDF ]
We introduce a new technology for Manufactureable, High Power Density, High Volume Utilization Nuclear Batteries. Betavoltaic batteries are an excellent choice for battery applications which require long life, high power density, or the ability to operate in harsh environments. In order to optimize the performance of betavoltaic batteries for these applications or any other application, it is desirable to maximize the efficiency of beta particle energy conversion into power, while at the same time increasing the power density of an overall device. Various devices and methods to solve the current industry problems and limitations are presented here.
Power-Scalable Betavoltaic Battery
GB2484028 [ PDF ]
A betavoltaic battery comprises layers of fissile, neutron-emitting radioisotopes 8, moderating material 7, beta-decaying radioisotopes 6, and semiconductor diode 4 & 5 adjacently stacked one above another. Neutrons produced by the chain reaction in the fissile radioisotope 8 are slowed down by the moderating material 7 before penetrating into the layer of beta-decaying radioisotope 6 to cause fission. Beta particles produced from the fission of beta-decaying radioisotopes 6 create electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor diode 4 & 5. Electrons and holes accumulate at the cathode (9, figure 1) and anode (2, figure 1) respectively, producing an electromotive force. Because beta particles are produced from neutron-induced fission, instead of from beta decay, this betavoltaic battery is able to generate substantially more power than conventional betavoltaic batteries.
HIGH POWER DENSITY BETAVOLTAIC BATTERY
US8487392 [ PDF ]
To increase total power in a betavoltaic device, it is desirable to have greater radioisotope material and/or semiconductor surface area, rather than greater radioisotope material volume. An example of this invention is a high power density betavoltaic battery. In one example of this invention, tritium is used as a fuel source. In other examples, radioisotopes, such as Nickel-63, Phosphorus-33 or promethium, may be used. The semiconductor used in this invention may include, but is not limited to, Si, GaAs, GaP, GaN, diamond, and SiC. For example (for purposes of illustration/example, only), tritium will be referenced as an exemplary fuel source, and SiC will be referenced as an exemplary semiconductor material. Other variations and examples are also discussed and given.
US4835433 -- Apparatus for direct conversion of radioactive decay energy to electrical energy
[ Paul Brown Nucell ] [ PDF ]
A nuclear battery in which the energy imparted to radioactive decay products during the spontaneous disintegrations of radioactive material is utilized to sustain and amplify the oscillations in a high-Q LC tank circuit is provided. The circuit inductance comprises a coil wound on a core composed of radioactive nuclides connected in series with the primary winding of a power transformer. The core is fabricated from a mixture of three radioactive materials which decay primarily by alpha emission and provides a greater flux of radioactive decay products than the equivalent amount of a single radioactive nuclide.