Tiny 'nuclear batteries' unveiled

[Schlup]

Researchers have demonstrated a penny-sized "nuclear battery" that produces energy from the decay of radioisotopes.

As radioactive substances decay, they release charged particles that when properly harvested can create an electrical current.

Nuclear batteries have been in use for military and aerospace applications, but are typically far larger.

The University of Missouri team says that the batteries hold a million times as much charge as standard batteries.

And although the whole idea hinges on the use of radioactive materials, the devices are safe under normal operating conditions.

[CoCoCountyKiller]

now thats a big step for batteries

co.co.

[AngryYankee]

I could use one in my car.  dang thing died today.

[Schlup]

Just think, you could put one on your laptop and only have to charge it up once when you get it!

[tehfunk101]

a million times as much charge!! i cant even fathom that. batteries have been way behind the technical curve lately, hopefully these things come out soon

[Schlup]

You and me both, really...at a million times the power, I would just throw it away and buy a new one when it needed to be charged again.

[2SftKties]

Ah, but you CAN'T just throw it away. You have to encase the battery in the middle pf a 55 gallon drum filled with concrete and bury in you backyard 50 feet down for 500 years.

Who's the first guy who plugs in the wrong voltage battery charger and melts down his neighborhood

"is that a mushroom cloud in your pocket or are you just happy to see me"

[Schlup]

With a million times the power these things will be lasting a million days which is 2740 years.  Don't think we'll have to worry about burying it by the time it dies.  Also, funny you brought this topic up again because I was thinking about these batteries today and discussing it with a buddy.  Think about the implications they will have on the auto industry.  Nuclear powered cars, the run awesome and pretty much forever.  We eliminate the need for foreign oil altogether.  Economy takes a huge upswing because the Big 3 American auto makers get behind this idea and sell EVERYBODY a new car.  Now all I have to do is figure out what company created this nuclear battery and invest heavily in them!