Study of a Betavoltaic Battery Using Electroplated Nickel-63 on Nickel Foil as a Power Source

Young Rang Uhm; Byoung Gun Choi; Jong Bum Kim; Dong-Hyuk Jeong; Kwang Jae Son

doi:10.1016/j.net.2016.01.010

Nuclear Engineering and Technology (Jun 2016)

Study of a Betavoltaic Battery Using Electroplated Nickel-63 on Nickel Foil as a Power Source

Young Rang Uhm,
Byoung Gun Choi,
Jong Bum Kim,
Dong-Hyuk Jeong,
Kwang Jae Son

Affiliations

Young Rang Uhm: Radioisotope Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), 989-111, Daedeokdaro, Yuseong, Daejeon 34056, South Korea
Byoung Gun Choi: Human Interface SoC Research Section, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), 218 Gajungro, Yuseong, Daejeon 34129, South Korea
Jong Bum Kim: Radioisotope Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), 989-111, Daedeokdaro, Yuseong, Daejeon 34056, South Korea
Dong-Hyuk Jeong: Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Science, 40 Jwadong-gil, Gijang, Busan 46033, South Korea
Kwang Jae Son: Radioisotope Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), 989-111, Daedeokdaro, Yuseong, Daejeon 34056, South Korea

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2016.01.010
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 48, no. 3
pp. 773 – 777

Abstract

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A betavoltaic battery was prepared using radioactive 63Ni attached to a three-dimensional single trenched P–N absorber. The optimum thickness of a 63Ni layer was determined to be approximately 2 μm, considering the minimum self-shielding effect of beta particles. Electroplating of radioactive 63Ni on a nickel (Ni) foil was carried out at a current density of 20 mA/cm2. The difference of the short-circuit currents (Isc) between the pre- and postdeposition of 63Ni (16.65 MBq) on the P–N junction was 5.03 nA, as obtained from the I–V characteristics. An improved design with a sandwich structure was provided for enhancing performance.

Published in Nuclear Engineering and Technology

ISSN: 1738-5733 (Print)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Korea, Republic of
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Nuclear engineering. Atomic power
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/nuclear-engineering-and-technology

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