Betavoltaic: 1, Duracell bunny: 0

Juniper Foo | Oct 03, 2007

Finally, batteries that never say die. Ok, we exaggerate. But with a newly touted 30-year lifespan without ever recharging, this cell would probably outlast 10 laptops and witness the next generation of new plugged-in superkids. If reports hold true, Betavoltaic batteries may even render the whole idea and development of fuel cells absolutely useless. Fuel cells' golden promise is a supply of up to 40 hours of continuous power, something the world has been holding its breath for. However, betavoltaics may not only emerge earlier--if all goes well, we could be looking at two to three years'--it's very similar to a photovoltaic (solar) cell. Which means you're not likely to blow up your dog Fifi and your entire neighborhood should your laptop battery catch fire. Lovely thought. Funny enough, this eco-friendlier cell is funded by the US Air Force.

For tech geeks who like to find out how things work, next Energy News has the nitty-gritty.

Via Newlaunches.com

Filed under: Gadgets
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