They explained that the radioactive isotope, carbon-14, known for its use in radiocarbon dating, is used to produce a diamond battery.

Since they are biocompatible, they can be used in medical devices such as eye implants, hearing aids and pacemakers, which minimizes the need for replacements and the suffering of patients.

They could also be used in extreme environments, both in space and on Earth, where it is not practical to replace conventional batteries.

These batteries could power active radiofrequency tags where there is a need to identify and track devices either on Earth or in space, such as spacecraft or payloads, for decades, thus reducing costs and extending operational life.

Our micropower technology can support a wide range of important applications, from space technologies and security devices to medical implants, said Professor Tom Scott, Professor of Materials at the University of Bristol.

The battery works by using the radioactive decay of carbon-14, which has a half-life of 5,700 years, to generate low levels of power.

It works in a similar way to solar panels, which convert light into electricity, but instead of using light particles (photons), they capture fast-moving electrons from within the diamond structure.

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