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

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 μm, 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 20 mA/cm 2 . The difference of the short-circuit currents ( I sc ) between the pre- and postdeposition 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.