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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2016.01.010

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

Uhm, Young Rang (Radioisotope Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI))
Choi, Byoung Gun (Human Interface SoC Research Section, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI))
Kim, Jong Bum (Radioisotope Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI))
Jeong, Dong-Hyuk (Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Science)
Son, Kwang Jae (Radioisotope Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI))
Publication Information
Nuclear Engineering and Technology / v.48, no.3, 2016 , pp. 773-777 More about this Journal
Abstract
A betavoltaic battery was prepared using radioactive $^{63}Ni$ attached to a three-dimensional single trenched P-N absorber. The optimum thickness of a $^{63}Ni$ layer was determined to be approximately $2{\mu}m$, considering the minimum self-shielding effect of beta particles. Electroplating of radioactive $^{63}Ni$ on a nickel (Ni) foil was carried out at a current density of $20mA/cm^2$. The difference of the short-circuit currents ($I_{sc}$) between the pre- and post-deposition of $^{63}Ni$ (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.
Keywords
Betavoltaic Battery with Sandwich Structure; $^{63}Nickel$; Radioisotope Battery; Electroplating;
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