EP4354462A1 - Procédé de fabrication d'une cellule de batterie de radionucléides - Google Patents

Procédé de fabrication d'une cellule de batterie de radionucléides Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4354462A1
EP4354462A1 EP22200605.8A EP22200605A EP4354462A1 EP 4354462 A1 EP4354462 A1 EP 4354462A1 EP 22200605 A EP22200605 A EP 22200605A EP 4354462 A1 EP4354462 A1 EP 4354462A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
radionuclide
battery cell
cell housing
inlet opening
receiving space
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22200605.8A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Mario J. Müller
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Emerald Horizon Ag
Original Assignee
Emerald Horizon Ag
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Emerald Horizon Ag filed Critical Emerald Horizon Ag
Priority to EP22200605.8A priority Critical patent/EP4354462A1/fr
Priority to PCT/EP2023/077952 priority patent/WO2024079070A1/fr
Publication of EP4354462A1 publication Critical patent/EP4354462A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21H—OBTAINING ENERGY FROM RADIOACTIVE SOURCES; APPLICATIONS OF RADIATION FROM RADIOACTIVE SOURCES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; UTILISING COSMIC RADIATION
    • G21H1/00—Arrangements for obtaining electrical energy from radioactive sources, e.g. from radioactive isotopes, nuclear or atomic batteries
    • G21H1/12—Cells using conversion of the radiation into light combined with subsequent photoelectric conversion into electric energy

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for producing a radionuclide battery cell for generating electrical energy from emitted radiation energy of a radionuclide.
  • Radionuclide batteries are energy sources that convert radiation energy from the spontaneous nuclear decay of a radionuclide into electrical energy. Compared to the energy density of conventional (chemical) batteries, the energy density of radionuclide batteries is up to two orders of magnitude higher, making radionuclide batteries particularly suitable for applications that require a supply over a very long period of time.
  • One area of application is, for example, applications in space.
  • Various principles for using radiation energy are known, which can be divided into thermal conversions and non-thermal conversions. For example, the heat generated can be absorbed using a thermocouple.
  • semiconductors can be used, for example, in which electron-hole pairs are generated due to the incident radiation from the radionuclide, which in turn generate an electrical current.
  • Beta-voltaic batteries which use beta radiation
  • alpha-voltaic batteries which use alpha radiation
  • Another possibility for the indirect use of radioactive radiation is to convert the radiation into photons using a luminescent material and to use the photons generated in this way to generate electrical energy.
  • the US 2018/0372891 A1 various embodiments of a nuclide battery.
  • Radiation from radioactive material can be converted directly into electrical energy using two electrodes and/or semiconductors.
  • a scintillating layer can be provided that is excited by the incident radiation and subsequently emits photons.
  • the photons are in turn used to generate electrical energy by providing structures made of semiconductors that absorb the photons.
  • radionuclide batteries are available, for example, from CN111755142A and the US5008759 known.
  • radionuclide batteries One difficulty in the manufacture of radionuclide batteries is the handling of the radioactive substances. There is always a risk of radioactive contamination and the spread of radioactive material. Therefore, strict requirements apply to the handling of these materials and, as a result, also to the manufacture of radionuclide batteries.
  • the radioactive material is arranged geometrically centrally in the radionuclide battery in order to shield the radioactive material as safely as possible from the outside world and to be able to use as much of the radiation as possible if the radionuclide is surrounded by electrodes, for example. Due to this arrangement, the radionuclide must be handled and installed during or before the assembly of the other components of the radionuclide battery.
  • radionuclide batteries are not rechargeable. Radioactive decay is an irreversible process, so no energy can be introduced into the radionuclide battery and stored. Once the radionuclide has been used up or the activity has fallen below a limit, radionuclide batteries are typically no longer usable.
  • Radioactive radiation can, for example, cause the efficiency of a semiconductor to drop. Therefore, long-term storage of a radionuclide battery before use is not advisable. It is better to manufacture the radionuclide battery as soon as possible before use. This results in high demands on production and logistics.
  • the aim of the invention is preferably to make the manufacture of the radionuclide battery safer and simpler.
  • the battery cell casing preferably forms the outer casing of the radionuclide battery cell.
  • the dimensions of the battery cell casing therefore determine the outer dimensions of the radionuclide battery cell.
  • the battery cell casing ensures the mechanical stability of the radionuclide battery cell and protects the interior of the radionuclide battery cell from external influences such as mechanical stress or air humidity.
  • the battery cell housing protects the environment of the radionuclide battery cell from radioactive radiation.
  • the battery cell housing can enclose the radionuclide in a substantially radiation-tight, in particular also substantially gas-tight manner.
  • the radionuclide can be, for example, 3 H, 10 Be, 32 Si, 40 K, 90 Sr, 137 Cs, 144 Nd, 204 Tl, 232 Th, 241 Am, 63 Ni, 90 Y. These isotopes have little gamma emission, which makes them particularly suitable for use in radionuclide battery cells.
  • the half-life of the radionuclide can be between 1 second (s) and 14 billion years, preferably the half-life is between 10 years and 300 years.
  • the radionuclide can be used in metallic form or as an oxide, either in gaseous, liquid or solid, granular form.
  • the battery cell housing can be made of a metal, preferably aluminum.
  • the battery cell housing can be made of one piece to ensure high stability.
  • the mechanical and/or electrical operating components of the radionuclide battery cell vary depending on the type of radionuclide battery cell.
  • one or more electrodes can be provided as operating component(s), which absorb released radioactive radiation, whereby an electrical voltage can be generated.
  • the electrodes can consist of a semiconducting material in which incident radioactive radiation can generate electron-hole pairs.
  • III-V semiconductors or quantum dot cells can be used, which suffer relatively little damage from incident radioactive radiation.
  • radio-luminescent material for example in the form of a layer, can be provided as the operating component.
  • the radio-luminescent material can absorb incident radiation and then release photons.
  • a photosensitive layer in particular a photodiode can be provided which can absorb the photons emitted by the radio-luminescent layer and convert them into electrical energy.
  • III-V semiconductors or quantum dot cells can be used in the photodiode.
  • the photodiode can be a Grätzel cell, for example, preferably in a bifacial transparent design.
  • the radio-luminescent material can be mixed with the radionuclide, for example, and introduced into the radionuclide receiving space.
  • the radio-luminescent material can be applied directly to a photodiode.
  • the photodiode with a layer of radio-luminescent material can be rolled up, for example, wherein spacers can be arranged on the photodiodes, by means of which a volume is defined within the rolled up photodiode. It is advantageous if radionuclide is arranged in this volume.
  • the mechanical and/or electrical operating components comprise electrical lines with which the radionuclide battery cell can be connected to a load, for example. Separating structures can be provided which separate individual operating components from one another.
  • thermocouple can be provided as the operating component, which converts the heat released by the radionuclide into an electrical voltage.
  • a motor in particular a Sterling motor, can be provided, which can be operated by the released heat and can convert the heat into electrical energy.
  • different mechanical and/or electrical operating components can be provided which are assembled within the battery cell housing.
  • the manufacture, provision and assembly of the mechanical and/or electrical operating components and the battery cell housing can take place without radiation protection measures, since up to this point none of these components comes into contact with radionuclide.
  • the battery cell housing has a radionuclide inlet opening which is connected to the radionuclide receiving space is connected.
  • the radionuclide inlet opening can be a through-bore of the battery cell housing.
  • the cross-section of the radionuclide inlet opening can be round, in particular circular, or for example rectangular, in particular square.
  • the radionuclide inlet opening can have a diameter or a diagonal in cross-section of, for example, 0.3 millimeters (mm) to 50 mm.
  • the cross-sectional area of the radionuclide inlet opening can be significantly smaller than the outer surface of the battery cell housing on which the radionuclide inlet opening is arranged.
  • the radionuclide inlet opening can, for example, have a diameter that corresponds to 1% or up to 10% of the diagonal of a circular outer surface of the battery cell housing on which the radionuclide inlet opening is arranged.
  • the radionuclide receiving space can, for example, be a tank separate from the battery cell housing.
  • the radionuclide receiving space can alternatively be delimited by the battery cell housing.
  • the mechanical and/or electrical operating components can be in direct contact with the radionuclide.
  • a photodiode with a layer of radio-luminescent material and spacers can be provided, which is rolled up or folded and assembled in the battery cell housing.
  • the spacers can be used to define a volume between the layers of the photodiodes, into which volume the radionuclide can be introduced.
  • the radionuclide receiving space is enclosed by the outer walls of the battery cell housing.
  • the photodiode is also located in the radionuclide receiving space.
  • the radionuclide receiving space of the battery cell housing is filled with the radionuclide through the radionuclide inlet opening of the battery cell housing, while the mechanical and/or electrical operating components are already in the assembled state.
  • the radionuclide can be solid or granular, liquid or gaseous.
  • the radionuclide inlet opening is closed so that the battery cell housing is ready for use.
  • the closure is preferably essentially gas-tight to ensure safe shielding of the radionuclide.
  • the The radionuclide battery cell is then placed inside a protective cover. This protective cover can absorb mechanical shocks and improve safety.
  • several radionuclide battery cells can be connected to form a radionuclide battery.
  • a single radionuclide battery cell can be used as a radionuclide battery. Since the radionuclide is only filled or introduced after the mechanical and/or electrical operating components have been assembled, it is particularly easy to finish the radionuclide battery cell shortly before use. This optimizes the service life of the radionuclide battery cell with regard to its use. Furthermore, a clear separation of the production line into an area without the risk of radioactive radiation and an area with appropriate radiation protection measures is possible.
  • the radionuclide can be removed from the radionuclide battery cell as soon as the activity of the radionuclide has fallen below a limit value and radionuclide with a higher activity can be filled in.
  • the radionuclide battery cell can be refilled.
  • the radionuclide inlet opening can be opened and the radionuclide removed through the radionuclide inlet opening.
  • radionuclide can be introduced through the radionuclide inlet opening and the radionuclide inlet opening can be closed again.
  • a closure element is attached to the inlet opening to close the inlet opening.
  • the closure element can, for example, be inserted into the inlet opening in a form-fitting manner.
  • the closure element can be a plate that covers the inlet opening.
  • the closure element and the battery cell housing can be made of the same material.
  • the closure element can be connected to the battery cell housing via a permanent connection, in particular a joint connection, for example a welded or adhesive connection.
  • a permanent connection in particular a joint connection, for example a welded or adhesive connection.
  • the interior of the radionuclide battery can be sealed by a permanent connection. in particular the radionuclide, must be particularly safely shielded from the environment.
  • the closure element can be connected to the battery cell housing via a detachable connection, in particular a screw connection or a clamp connection.
  • a detachable connection is particularly advantageous if the radionuclide is to be replaced as soon as the activity of the radionuclide in the radionuclide battery cell falls below a limit value or has reached a certain age.
  • At least one membrane is arranged at the radionuclide inlet opening before the radionuclide is filled in, then an injection element, in particular a cannula, is guided through the membrane and finally the radionuclide is introduced into the radionuclide receiving space of the battery cell housing via the injection element.
  • an injection element in particular a cannula
  • the use of a membrane is particularly advantageous if the radionuclide is in liquid form, since the membrane can prevent uncontrolled or accidental leakage of liquids. Introducing the radionuclide using a cannula allows particularly good control over the introduction or filling of the radionuclide.
  • the membrane can also be designed as a double membrane with another membrane.
  • the double membrane is arranged at the radionuclide inlet opening, with an injection element, in particular a cannula, being guided through both membranes of the double membrane.
  • an injection element in particular a cannula
  • the use of a double membrane is particularly advantageous when the radionuclide is in gaseous form, as this is a particularly safe way of preventing uncontrolled or unintentional leakage of gaseous radionuclide.
  • a further injection element such as a further cannula, can be guided through the same membrane or double membrane; air can escape from the radionuclide receiving space through the further injection element, which is displaced by the radionuclide introduced via the injection element.
  • a valve body is arranged at the radionuclide inlet opening before filling the radionuclide, then a filling element with the Valve body and the radionuclide is introduced into the radionuclide receiving space of the battery cell housing through the valve body by means of the filling element.
  • the valve body can, for example, be brought into an open valve position by the intended arrangement of the filling element in order to be able to fill radionuclide through the valve body.
  • the valve body is preferably arranged in a closed valve position after the radionuclide receiving space has been filled with the radionuclide.
  • the valve body can, for example, be automatically or automatically moved into a closed valve position when the filling element is released or removed from the valve body.
  • the valve body can only be arranged in the open valve position as long as the filling element is connected to the valve body.
  • the radionuclide is introduced through the free, i.e. unsealed, radionuclide inlet opening, wherein the radionuclide is preferably in the solid, in particular granular, state, or in the liquid state.
  • the radionuclide can be introduced into the radionuclide battery cell through the free radionuclide inlet opening using a funnel.
  • the method comprises the following further step: Filling an electrolyte receiving space of the battery cell housing with an electrolyte through an electrolyte inlet opening.
  • an electrolyte receiving space can be provided which can receive the electrolyte.
  • the electrolyte receiving space can be designed identically to the radionuclide receiving space.
  • the electrolyte receiving space can be the radionuclide receiving space, so that the electrolyte can be stored together with the radionuclide in the same Radionuclide receiving space.
  • the electrolyte inlet opening can also be the radionuclide inlet opening, so that the radionuclide and the electrolyte are introduced through the same inlet opening.
  • a valve body or a membrane can be arranged at the electrolyte inlet opening.
  • the electrolyte can be gaseous, liquid or granular.
  • a closure element is provided with which the electrolyte inlet opening is closed, preferably in a substantially gas-tight manner.
  • the closure element can be designed as described above in connection with the radionuclide inlet opening.
  • the battery cell housing can preferably have at least one first air outlet opening to simplify filling with radionuclide.
  • the air outlet opening can be separate and spaced from the radionuclide inlet opening. Air can escape from the radionuclide receiving space through the air outlet opening, which is gradually displaced by the introduced radionuclide during filling.
  • the air outlet opening and the radionuclide inlet opening can be designed identically; for example, a valve body or a membrane can be arranged on both.
  • the introduced radionuclide has a higher or lower density than the air originally present in the radionuclide receiving space, it can be advantageous to rotate the battery cell housing during filling relative to the acceleration due to gravity in such a way that the radionuclide inlet opening is located higher or lower than the air outlet opening.
  • the radionuclide has a higher density than air, it is advantageous if the air outlet opening is at the same height or higher than the radionuclide inlet opening, as the air is displaced upwards (relative to the acceleration due to gravity). If the radionuclide has a lower density than air, it is advantageous to arrange the air outlet opening lower than the radionuclide inlet opening, at the same height or as low as possible.
  • a further closure element can be provided with which the first air outlet opening, preferably in the Essentially gas-tight, closed. Like the radionuclide inlet opening, the air outlet opening must also be closed.
  • the additional closure element for closing the air outlet opening can be designed in the same way as the closure element for closing the radionuclide inlet opening.
  • the battery cell housing can preferably have an electrolyte receiving space in which an electrolyte is arranged, wherein the battery cell housing has at least one electrolyte inlet opening for filling the electrolyte receiving space of the battery cell housing with the electrolyte in the assembled state of the mechanical and/or electrical operating components. If at least one electrode is provided as an operating component, the use of an electrolyte can be advantageous in order to enable a REDOX reaction.
  • an electrolyte receiving space can be provided which can receive the electrolyte.
  • the electrolyte receiving space can be designed in the same way as the radionuclide receiving space.
  • the electrolyte receiving space can be the radionuclide receiving space, thus the electrolyte can be present together with the radionuclide in the same radionuclide receiving space.
  • the following further step is provided: Filling a receiving space for radio-luminescent material of the battery cell housing with a radio-luminescent material through an inlet opening for radio-luminescent material.
  • a receiving space for radio-luminescent material can be provided that can receive the radio-luminescent material.
  • the receiving space for radio-luminescent material can be designed in the same way as the radionuclide receiving space.
  • the receiving space for radio-luminescent material can be the radionuclide receiving space, so that the radio-luminescent material can be present together with the radionuclide in the radionuclide receiving space.
  • the inlet opening for radio-luminescent material can be designed in the same way as the radionuclide receiving space. be designed like the radionuclide inlet opening, in particular both can be designed identically, for example a valve body or a membrane can be arranged on both.
  • Fig. 1A shows a radionuclide battery cell 1 for generating electrical energy from emitted radiation energy of a radionuclide 2 (see Fig. 1D ).
  • the radionuclide battery cell 1 has a cylindrical battery cell housing 3 with two valve bodies 4, which are arranged at a radionuclide inlet opening 5 and an air outlet opening 6, respectively.
  • the radionuclide battery cell 1 also has two electrical connections 7, with which the radionuclide battery cell 1 can be electrically connected.
  • Figure 1B shows a top view of the Fig. 1A Radionuclide battery cell 1 shown.
  • Fig. 1C shows a cross section through the battery cell housing 3 before filling with the radionuclide 2.
  • the radionuclide battery cell 1 has mechanical and/or electrical operating components 27 (see Figure 3 ) within the battery cell housing 3, which according to Fig. 1C are already assembled. For the sake of clarity, the mechanical and/or electrical operating components 27 are shown in the Fig. 1A to 1D not shown.
  • a radionuclide receiving space 8 is provided in the battery cell housing 3, into which the radionuclide 2 is introduced.
  • the radionuclide receiving space 8 can be enclosed by a housing. This housing can consist of a material adapted to the type of radiation of the radionuclide 2.
  • a radiation-resistant, for example transparent, plastic container enclosing the radionuclide receiving space 8 can be provided.
  • the plastic container can be made of polyimide, for example, with wall thicknesses of, for example, 100 ⁇ m to 1 mm, preferably 300 ⁇ m to 0.7 mm.
  • the housing can be made of glass, for example borosilicate glass, with wall thicknesses of 50 ⁇ m to 4 mm, in particular 300 ⁇ m to 3 mm, preferably 500 ⁇ m to 2 mm.
  • the housing of the radionuclide receiving space 8 can consist of aluminum, for example.
  • the radionuclide receiving space 8 can be enclosed by a tank that is essentially gas-tight and essentially transparent for the type of radiation emitted, which can be attached inside the battery cell housing 3.
  • the gas diffusion properties with regard to the tightness of the material from which the tank is made should be in the order of magnitude of three times to at least once the half-life of the radionuclide. If the half-life is 12 years, for example, gaseous radionuclide should not diffuse through the tank within at least 12 to approximately 36 years.
  • beta radiation Glass or plastic can be used.
  • an alpha-emitting radionuclide 2 can be used, for example, together with a radio-luminescent material 22 (see Fig.5 ) in the radionuclide receiving chamber 8. This arrangement can also be advantageous for beta-emitting radionuclides 2.
  • the valve body 4 is arranged at the radionuclide inlet opening 5.
  • a filling element 9 is connected to the valve body 4.
  • the radionuclide 2 is introduced into the radionuclide receiving space 8 through the valve body 4 arranged in the radionuclide inlet opening 5.
  • the battery cell housing 3 has the first air outlet opening 6, at which one of the valve bodies 4 is arranged, which is connected to another filling element 9.
  • the air outlet opening 6 simplifies filling with radionuclide 2, since the air displaced by the radionuclide 2 can escape through the air outlet opening 6.
  • the air outlet opening 6 and the radionuclide inlet opening 5 are used simultaneously.
  • the filling elements 9 are separated from the valve bodies 4, whereby the valve bodies 4 are in a closed position (cf. Fig. 1D ). This closes both the radionuclide inlet opening 5 and the air outlet opening 6. Due to the arrangement of the valve bodies 4 and the closed position of the valve bodies 4, the first air outlet opening 6 and the radionuclide inlet opening 5 are essentially sealed gas-tight.
  • an electrode 15 see Figure 3
  • a photodiode see Figure 5 or 6
  • an electrode 15 can be assembled inside the battery cell housing 3 while the radionuclide 2 is being filled in.
  • Fig. 1D shows a cross section through the radionuclide battery cell 1 from Fig. 1A
  • the radionuclide 2 has already been filled into the radionuclide receiving space 8 and the filling elements 9 have been separated from the valve bodies 4.
  • a closure element 11 is arranged on each of the two valve bodies 4.
  • the closure elements 11 are connected to the valve bodies 4 via non-detachable connections, in particular via adhesive connections.
  • the closure elements 11 can be welded to the valve bodies 4.
  • detachable connections for example screw connections or clamp connections, can be provided between the closure elements 11 and the valve bodies 4.
  • the radionuclide 2 can be filled, for example, by means of a funnel through the freely available radionuclide inlet opening 5.
  • the radionuclide 2 is preferably in the solid, in particular in the granular state, or in the liquid state.
  • Fig. 2A shows a further embodiment of the radionuclide battery cell 1, in which closure elements 11 are arranged at the radionuclide inlet opening 5 and the air outlet opening 6.
  • the closure elements 11 can be connected to the battery cell housing 3 via adhesive connections.
  • Fig. 2B shows a top view of the radionuclide battery cell 1 from Fig. 2A .
  • Fig. 2C shows a cross section through the battery cell housing 3 from Figure 2A before filling with radionuclide 2.
  • the mechanical and/or electrical operating components 27 (not shown, see Figure 3 ) within the battery cell housing 3 of the radionuclide battery cell 1 are already assembled.
  • a radionuclide receiving space 8 is provided in the battery cell housing 3, into which the radionuclide 2 is introduced.
  • Two membranes 12 are arranged at the radionuclide inlet opening 5, which together form a double membrane 13 through which an injection element 14, here a cannula, is guided.
  • the Injection element 14 the radionuclide 2 is introduced through the double membrane 13 into the radionuclide receiving space 8 of the battery cell housing 3.
  • the battery cell housing 3 has a first air outlet opening 6, on which a double membrane 13 is also arranged.
  • the air outlet opening 6 simplifies filling with radionuclide 2, since the air displaced by the radionuclide 2 can escape through the air outlet opening 6.
  • a further injection element 14, here again a cannula is guided through the membrane 13.
  • the air outlet opening 6 and the radionuclide inlet opening 5 are used simultaneously.
  • the injection elements 14 are removed.
  • the radionuclide inlet opening 5 and the air outlet opening 6 are closed by means of the closure elements 11.
  • Further mechanical and/or electrical operating components 27 are in this embodiment as in the embodiment of the Fig. 1A to Fig.
  • an electrode 15 (see Fig.3 ) and/or a photodiode 23 (see Fig.5 ) be provided.
  • Fig. 2D shows a cross section of the Fig. 2A shown radionuclide battery cell 1.
  • the radionuclide 2 has already been filled into the radionuclide receiving space 8 and the closure elements 11 have been glued into the air outlet opening 6 and the radionuclide inlet opening 5 in order to seal the battery cell housing 3 essentially gas-tight.
  • the closure elements 11 are connected to the battery cell housing 3 via non-detachable connections, in particular via adhesive connections.
  • Fig.3 shows a battery cell housing 3 with assembled mechanical and/or electrical operating components 27, which can be manufactured using one of the previously described methods.
  • the battery cell housing 3 can, for example, have a side length of 10 mm to 1000 mm, in particular of 20 mm to 300 mm, preferably of 30 mm to 200 mm, particularly preferably 80 mm to 140 mm.
  • the battery cell housing can be cylindrical, spherical or designed as a polyhedron.
  • Two electrodes 15A, 15B are provided, each of which is directly attached to the Battery cell housing 3 are arranged.
  • the radionuclide receiving space 8 is delimited by the electrode 15A, a separating structure 16 and the battery cell housing 3.
  • the electrode 15A which can be the cathode, is in direct contact with the radionuclide 2 in the radionuclide battery cell 1. Effects such as diffusion and/or corrosion can be taken into account when selecting the materials in order to avoid chemical changes or damage to the electrode 15A.
  • the separating structure 16 is preferably used together with liquid and/or gaseous radionuclides 2, in which case beta emitters are primarily considered as the radionuclide 2, since the separating structure 16 blocks alpha radiation. Beta radiation, on the other hand, also works through thin layers, wherein the thickness of the separating structure 16 can be in a range from 10 nm to 1 mm, in particular 50 nm to 300 ⁇ m, preferably between 300 nm and 100 ⁇ m.
  • the radionuclide receiving space 8 can be filled with radionuclide 2 during production via the radionuclide inlet opening 5, whereby air can escape via the first air outlet opening 6.
  • an electrolyte receiving space 17 is delimited by the electrode 15B, which can be the anode, the separation structure 16 and the battery cell housing 3.
  • An electrolyte (not shown) is introduced into the electrolyte receiving space 17 via an electrolyte inlet opening 18. This step, like the filling with radionuclide 2, takes place after the mechanical and/or electrical operating components 27 of the radionuclide battery cell 1 have been assembled.
  • the electrolyte receiving space 17 is filled with the electrolyte and the electrolyte inlet opening 18 is closed before the radionuclide receiving space 8 is filled with radionuclide 2.
  • Air can escape from the electrolyte receiving space 17 via a second air outlet opening 19, which is displaced by the introduced electrolyte.
  • the radionuclide inlet opening 5, the air outlet opening 6, the electrolyte inlet opening 18 and the second air outlet opening 19 are each closed after filling with radionuclide or with the electrolyte.
  • At least the electrode 15B can have structural elements 21 which shape the surface of the electrode 15B and thus the probability of interaction with the Radionuclide 2 can increase the efficiency of radioactive radiation released by the structural elements 21.
  • the structural elements 21 can be or have nano- or micro-structure elements, for example, which can be applied using nanotechnological deposition processes, for example.
  • nanotubes can be used, which can consist of TiO 2.
  • the use of nanostructures is particularly advantageous in connection with beta emitters in order to increase the efficiency of the radionuclide battery cell 1.
  • the structural elements 21 are surrounded by the electrolyte in the radionuclide battery cell 1 or are located in the electrolyte receiving space 17 and form an intimate connection to the REDOX process of the electron conduction in the radionuclide battery cell 1.
  • the electrolyte can contain iodine or potassium iodide, for example, and can accelerate the regeneration of the electrode 15B after the incidence of radioactive radiation and thus improve the efficiency of the conversion of radiation into electrical current.
  • the radionuclide inlet opening 5, the air outlet opening 6, the electrolyte inlet opening 18 and the second air outlet opening 19 are exposed; the radionuclide 2 and the electrolyte can be introduced using a funnel, for example.
  • the height of the electrolyte inlet opening 18 can differ from the height of the second air outlet opening 19. If the electrolyte has a higher density than air, the electrolyte collects (relative to the acceleration due to gravity) below the air in the electrolyte receiving space 17.
  • the second air outlet opening 19 is arranged above the electrolyte inlet opening 18. It is particularly advantageous if the second air outlet opening 19 is arranged as close as possible to the highest point of the electrolyte receiving space 17 in order to be able to fill the electrolyte receiving space 17 as completely as possible with electrolyte.
  • the radionuclide 2 and/or the electrolyte can be used in the same way as in the embodiments of the Fig. 1A to Fig. 1D or the Fig. 2A to Fig. 2D
  • valve bodies 4 see Fig.
  • the mechanical and/or electrical operating components 27 in this embodiment comprise two electrodes 15A and 15B, the structural elements 21, and the Separating structure 16, which are assembled before filling with the electrolyte and the radionuclide 2.
  • the radionuclide 2 is freely filled into the radionuclide receiving space 8.
  • the radionuclide 2 is present in solid or granular, liquid or gaseous form.
  • Fig. 4A shows two sections of a battery cell housing 3 with a radionuclide inlet opening 5 and a first air outlet opening 6, each of which is closed by a double membrane 13.
  • An injection element 14, which is a cannula here, is passed through each of the double membranes 13.
  • Radionuclide 2 is introduced through the radionuclide inlet opening 5, while air is simultaneously removed through the first air outlet opening 6. The volume of air that is introduced with radionuclide 2 is removed in order to accelerate the filling process.
  • Fig. 4B a section of a battery cell housing 3 can be seen, with the radionuclide inlet opening 5 visible.
  • the double membrane 13, through which two injection elements 14A, 14B are passed, is arranged at the radionuclide inlet opening 5.
  • One injection element 14A is used to introduce radionuclide 2 through the double membrane 13 into the radionuclide receiving space 8.
  • the other injection element 14B is used to remove air, which is displaced by the radionuclide 2, from the radionuclide receiving space 8. As a result, no separate air outlet opening 6 is necessary.
  • Fig 4C shows a detailed view of an embodiment of the radionuclide inlet opening 5 in the nuclide battery housing 3, which was closed with the closure element 11 after the radionuclide receiving space 8 was filled.
  • Fig.5 shows an embodiment of the radionuclide battery cell 1 with the radionuclide receiving space 8, a layer of radio-luminescent material 22 and a photodiode 23.
  • the radio-luminescent material 22 is excited by the radiation of the radionuclide 2, whereupon photons are emitted.
  • the emitted photons can preferably have a wavelength in a range from 1 nm to 10 ⁇ m, in particular 200 nm to 2000 nm, preferably 200 nm to 900 nm.
  • the photodiode 23 can comprise, for example, silicon (Si), crystalline silicon (c-Si), monocrystalline silicon (m-Si), GaAs or perovskite.
  • the photodiode 23 can alternatively be an organic solar cell or a DSSC ("dye-sensitized solar cell").
  • the central emitted wavelength can coincide with a sensitivity maximum of the photodiode 23 in order to increase the efficiency of the radionuclide battery cell.
  • the photons are absorbed by the photodiode 23, causing an electric current. In this figure, no radionuclide inlet opening 5 can be seen, for details see the Figures 1 to 4 .
  • the conversion of incident radioactive radiation into photons by the radioluminescent material 22 is achieved by using rare earth oxides, such as doped ZnS.
  • the incident radioactive radiation releases energy, which leads to excited states in the radioluminescent material 22 and to a secondary emission of photons.
  • the radioluminescent material 22 is selected such that the wavelengths of the photon emissions spectrally overlap with the sensitivity of the photodiode 23 and thus as many photons as possible can be used.
  • the radioluminescent material can comprise earth oxides and phosphorus substances, such as silver-doped ZnS in admixture with green phosphorus or strontium aluminate in a mass ratio of 100:1 to 1:100, in particular 10:1 and 1:10, preferably 1:4.
  • the radioluminescent material can, for example, contain ZnS:Cu or ZnS:Cu:Ag.
  • the radioluminescent material can be tailored to the species of radionuclide 2 or the expected radiation.
  • the yield of photons due to the incident radiation can be optimized.
  • the ratio of photons/MeV ("light yield") can be optimized.
  • up to 10 ⁇ 5 photons can be generated per emitted alpha particle from the radionuclide.
  • Wavelength optimization can be achieved by using quantum dot semiconductors in conjunction with the photodiode 23, whereby the sensitivity is precisely tuned by quantum dots to the central wavelength of the emission of the radio-luminescent material 22.
  • Fig. 6A shows a photodiode 23 on which a layer of radio-luminescent material 22 is applied. Furthermore, spacers 24 are provided.
  • the spacers 24 are made of a chemically inert and electrically insulating material and are transparent to the photons emitted by the radio-luminescent material 22.
  • the spacers 24 can be designed, for example, as a honeycomb or as a grid, wherein the radionuclide 2 can be arranged in the free spaces within the spacers 24 and between the spacers 24.
  • the layer structure 25 can be wound up before it is arranged in the battery cell housing 3.
  • a volume can be defined between the layers of radio-luminescent material 22 and photodiodes 23, into which radionuclide 2 can be introduced at a later time.
  • the spacers 24 improve the mechanical and electrical stability of the radionuclide battery cell 1.
  • the spacers 24 enable the photodiode 23 to be stacked or rolled up or folded.
  • the wound layer structure 25 is arranged in the radionuclide receiving space of the battery cell housing 3. Alternatively, the layer structure 25 can also be arranged folded instead of rolled, as in Fig. 6B is shown.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Hybrid Cells (AREA)
EP22200605.8A 2022-10-10 2022-10-10 Procédé de fabrication d'une cellule de batterie de radionucléides Pending EP4354462A1 (fr)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22200605.8A EP4354462A1 (fr) 2022-10-10 2022-10-10 Procédé de fabrication d'une cellule de batterie de radionucléides
PCT/EP2023/077952 WO2024079070A1 (fr) 2022-10-10 2023-10-10 Procédé de fabrication d'un élément de batterie à radionucléide

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2900535A (en) * 1956-06-28 1959-08-18 Tracerlab Inc Radioactive battery
US3037067A (en) * 1957-10-29 1962-05-29 Associated Nucleonics Inc Case for nuclear light source material
US5008759A (en) 1987-07-22 1991-04-16 Nikon Corporation Still image recording apparatus with solid state pickup device
US20180372891A1 (en) 2017-06-19 2018-12-27 Ohio State Innovation Foundation Charge generating devices and methods of making and use thereof
CN111755142A (zh) 2020-08-11 2020-10-09 王文胜 一种核电池放射性元件及其制备方法
US20220199272A1 (en) * 2020-12-17 2022-06-23 Westinghouse Electric Company Llc Methods of manufacture for nuclear batteries

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2900535A (en) * 1956-06-28 1959-08-18 Tracerlab Inc Radioactive battery
US3037067A (en) * 1957-10-29 1962-05-29 Associated Nucleonics Inc Case for nuclear light source material
US5008759A (en) 1987-07-22 1991-04-16 Nikon Corporation Still image recording apparatus with solid state pickup device
US20180372891A1 (en) 2017-06-19 2018-12-27 Ohio State Innovation Foundation Charge generating devices and methods of making and use thereof
CN111755142A (zh) 2020-08-11 2020-10-09 王文胜 一种核电池放射性元件及其制备方法
US20220199272A1 (en) * 2020-12-17 2022-06-23 Westinghouse Electric Company Llc Methods of manufacture for nuclear batteries

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