Japanese researchers have developed the world's first rechargeable uranium battery, opening new possibilities for the use of nuclear waste. This groundbreaking innovation, revealed this month, utilizes depleted uranium as an energy source, making it a pioneer in the application of this radioactive residue.

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙪𝙢 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨

Currently, most batteries rely on materials such as lithium and lead to enhance electron flow and electricity generation. However, in a project led by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), uranium was chosen as the active material in electrochemical processes.

The battery prototype measures 10 cm in width and 5 cm in height and features a uranium-based electrolyte in the negative electrode and an iron-based electrolyte in the positive electrode. Initial tests showed that it could generate a voltage of 1.3 V, which is close to the 1.5 V of conventional alkaline batteries.

Furthermore, the battery was charged and discharged 10 times without significant performance loss, suggesting good longevity and reliability for future applications.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄𝙨 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙐𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙪𝙢?

Depleted uranium (DU) is the byproduct left after natural uranium is enriched for use in nuclear reactors. This material is considered nuclear waste since it cannot be reused as fuel in modern reactors.

Although less radioactive than natural uranium, DU has limited applications, primarily in the production of military-grade ammunition. These projectiles are known for their ability to penetrate armored surfaces but are highly controversial due to toxic risks. They have been used in conflicts in Syria and the Gulf Wars, and in 2023, the United States pledged to supply Ukraine with a shipment of these munitions.

Currently, Japan stores around 16,000 tons of depleted uranium with virtually no practical use. Globally, the stockpile of this material is estimated to exceed 1.6 million tons.

𝙋𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨

The development of rechargeable uranium batteries could be a major breakthrough in the quest for sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions. In addition to recycling a problematic nuclear byproduct, this technology could be used in energy storage systems for renewable power grids.

However, to make this application viable, the battery's storage capacity must be increased. Scientists at JAEA are already exploring redox flow cells, which provide enhanced energy transfer efficiency and greater capacity.

Another key challenge is safety. Even though depleted uranium is less radioactive, it still requires strict handling precautions, which may limit the use of these batteries to controlled environments, such as nuclear power plants.

If research progresses, this technology could transform one of the nuclear industry's biggest environmental liabilities into an innovative energy solution.