Mar 22, 2025 · Japan''s national nuclear research and development institute has developed what it calls the world''s first uranium-based rechargeable battery that may pave the way for the use of
The uranium storage battery utilizes uranium as the negative electrode active material and iron as the positive one. The single-cell voltage of the prototype uranium rechargeable battery was 1.3 volts, which is close to that of a common alkaline battery (1.5 volts).
For this research, the team utilized uranium as an active material within the battery’s electrochemical processes. Typically, batteries rely on materials like lithium or lead to facilitate the flow of electrons and generate electricity.
The Japan Atomic Energy Agency has developed the world’s first uranium-based rechargeable battery. “We successfully developed a rechargeable battery using uranium as an active material,” said the institute in a press release. This could transform the management of nuclear waste and address the growing need for efficient energy storage capabilities.
Nuclear batteries, like City Labs’ NanoTritium™ technology, use radioactive decay from isotopes like tritium to generate steady electricity for decades. These batteries are ideal for low-energy devices in extreme environments where traditional batteries fail, such as space missions, underwater sensors, and cybersecurity devices.
Scientists create a rechargeable battery using depleted uranium, converting nuclear byproduct into a valuable energy storage resource.
"We began this research with the idea that if depleted uranium can be used in storage batteries, it can go from being a waste material to being a treasure trove," said Ouchi, further adding, "Now that we have demonstrated that uranium batteries are possible, from April, we are going to add a tank and make a larger battery.
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