能源永动机？硬币大小核电池实测4个月，中国要打破技术垄断了吗

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the world's first carbon-14 nuclear battery, "Candle Dragon," by a collaborative team from Northwest Normal University marks a significant breakthrough in energy technology, potentially revolutionizing energy applications for humanity [1][8]. Group 1: Technological Breakthrough - The carbon-14 nuclear battery utilizes radioactive isotopes to generate long-lasting energy, with a theoretical lifespan aligned with the 5,730-year half-life of carbon-14 [1]. - The battery unit, measuring only 3 centimeters in diameter, can output a stable 1.6 microwatts of power, successfully powering an LED light for 124 days in tests [1]. Group 2: Advantages Over Traditional Technologies - Compared to traditional plutonium-238 batteries, the carbon-based solution offers three disruptive advantages: stable output in extreme temperatures ranging from -112°C to 217°C, a 95% reduction in raw material costs, and an energy density of over 2200 mWh, equivalent to compressing the energy of 300 AA batteries into a size comparable to a grain of rice [3]. - The radiation dose from the carbon-14 battery is only 1/400 of the background environment, significantly enhancing safety standards for nuclear energy devices [3]. Group 3: Applications and Future Prospects - The technology has potential applications beyond the medical field, including powering deep space exploration vehicles, which could operate for up to 80 Earth years in extreme conditions [6]. - The modular design allows users to configure battery units flexibly, creating a new ecosystem for energy supply that can adapt to various needs [6]. Group 4: Industry Impact - The isotope purification process developed by the research team can convert radioactive waste from nuclear power plants into valuable energy sources, generating an additional value of 20 million yuan per ton [6]. - This breakthrough is seen as a pivotal moment in energy evolution, comparable to the transition from steam power to electricity, providing a safer and cheaper solution for deep space exploration and addressing battery technology limitations in wearable devices [8].