Chinese researchers at Northwest Normal University and Gansu Zhulong Technology have unveiled a new carbon-14 nuclear battery called the Qianjiyuan Tianshu. The device uses a silicon carbide transducer and was built without foreign technology or components. Compared to the earlier Candle Dragon-I prototype, the new battery cuts radioactive material use to 22 percent, boosts short-circuit current to 2.5 times, and increases maximum power to 2.6 times. Its effective volume shrank to 17 percent of the original, giving a 15.5-fold jump in volumetric power density. Nuclear batteries like this one convert decay energy from carbon-14 into electricity, offering a potential power source that can last for decades without recharging. While the current output is in the microwatt range, the team says the design is a significant step toward practical long-life power for sensors, medical implants, and remote monitoring equipment. The claim of no foreign technology or parts also highlights China's push for self-reliance in advanced energy components.
