Chinese researchers have introduced the world’s first nuclear battery of a new type — Zhulong-1 (“Glowing Dragon”), capable of operating without recharging for thousands of years. The battery is stated to be safe for humans: the radiation is isolated, and its design is intended to ensure stable operation for decades.
The Zhulong-1 betavoltaic battery with a dye works across a temperature range from -100 to +200 °C, remaining reliable even in extreme conditions. Its thin and flexible design opens up possibilities for use in medicine, the space industry, and wearable electronics.
The developers are already preparing a smaller version sized like a coin.
