![nuclear_g5f6cbe140_1280.jpg](https://images.ecency.com/DQmPqS5JWCrNsagnBeBC9Qn45BoNRpbUDuBT5wEE8rgfRhA/nuclear_g5f6cbe140_1280.jpg)



https://www.thebrighterside.news/amp/scientists-turn-nuclear-waste-into-diamond-batteries-lasting-1-000-s-of-years

https://www.nei.org/fundamentals/nuclear-waste

Pixabay

Nuclear waste is a persistent problem, and makes those who work within the nuclear industry constantly vigilent.  Nuclear energy is being considered as a major "green energy" source whose image is often tarnished by the waste it produces.  Since the waste is radioactive and if it comes from a reactor, is dangerous for thousands of years, we need to find a way to reduce or reuse it.  A new development has been made that allows for the creation of batteries from nuclear waste.

A new process of nuclear waste recycling was recently solidified that takes waste and converts it into a radioactive diamond that releases beta radiation to power a small battery.  These batteries were first developed at the University of Bristol, and are limited in that they can only be used to power small electronics, but can be a source of power for thousands of years.  Nuclear diamond batteries can be either powered by beta decay or gamma rays, and can power satellites and machines with long lives.  The battery concept has been in development since 2016, and is becoming more refine. 

Currently, nuclear waste is disposed of through burial and storage in vaults and boxes.  Older nuclear waste was buried in fiberglass-reinforced plywood boxes and tanks.  The public perception is that nuclear waste is a persistent threat that can often be mismanaged and become dangerous.  Nuclear power has tremendous potential to become a leading green-energy technology, and this perception hurts that aim.

Nuclear waste is either material from reactors that is used to produce power or other ancillary items used in the process.  High-level waste is typically rods and items from within the reactor.  Low-level waste is typically contaminated sundires and tools including gloves, tape, tools and contaminated items.  Nuclear waste may emit many types of particles, and may be located in various storage pools or containers based on its energy production.  Fuel rods are typically removed from service after 5-years in a reactor, making them a significant source of high-level waste to be managed.

Nuclear waste disposal has been discussed for years.  The use of trenches, mountain repositories including Yucca Mountain and disposal into space or a subduction zone have been discussed.  Nuclear waste can be recycled and reprocessed through breeder reactors and other processes.  You can read about nuclear reprocessing here:  https://whatisnuclear.com/recycling.html

Anything we can do to reduce nuclear waste accumulation is a positive.  The danger the waste causes can be offset by the waste's ability to produce energy.  Plutonium has been used as a heat and energy source in satellites, and this is just one more application for this waste.

Posted on Hive, Blurt and Steemit.