IOM3 Energy Materials Group Webinar: Focus on Diamond Batteries

Dr Yannick Verbelen

Senior Research Associate, Interface Analysis Centre, University of Bristol

The preliminary title of the presentation will be: Recycling moderator graphite into diamond betavoltaics

Abstract:

The next generation of nuclear power reactors will be fast spectrum type, which means there is no future use for the 40,000 m³ of graphite moderator blocks that reside in Magnox and AGR reactors. Once disassembled, this large inventory of irradiated graphite will become available for other applications. Of particular interest is radiocarbon (C-14), which is formed by neutron capture of the 1% C-13 present in natural carbon, or by transmutation of N-14 in the form of nitrogen impurities. Radiocarbon has many applications as tracer isotope in healthcare, but one of the most intriguing ones is its use as a material to grow artificial radioactive diamonds. Intrinsic monocrystalline diamond is not only one of the strongest materials, it also happens to be a semiconductor material. Diamonds grown of radiocarbon can thus be turned into diamond betavoltaics, power cells with a half-life of 5,730 years and endless opportunities for structural health monitoring or space exploration. In this talk, Dr. ing. Yannick Verbelen covers the ongoing work at the University of Bristol to extract value from graphite moderator blocks, and turn them into high-tech semiconductor power cells.

Bio:

Yannick Verbelen holds a degree in electrical engineering and earned a PhD in civil engineering with the highest distinction for his book on renewable energy and autonomous smart electronics. He designed over 100 open source circuits and circuit boards, co-founded several spin-out companies, and wrote over 30 academic publications. His current work is in the field of nuclear fusion research in the Interface Analysis Centre at the University of Bristol, where he works on the design and development of open source particle accelerators for the production of medical radio-isotopes.