Radiovolt and radiophotovoltaic dual-effect isotope battery and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of isotope batteries and discloses a radiation photovoltaic and radiation photovoltaic dual-effect isotope battery and a preparation method thereof. The radiation photovoltaic and radiation photovoltaic dual-effect isotope battery comprises at least one radiation photovoltaic / radiation photovoltaic light-emitting unit and at least one radiation photovoltaic transduction layer; the radiation photovoltaic / radiation photovoltaic light-emitting unit comprises a radioactive source layer which is provided with a first face and a second face which are oppositely arranged in the thickness direction of the radioactive source layer. The first surface and the second surface are respectively provided with a fluorescent layer; the radiation photovoltaic transduction layer is arranged on the first surface with the fluorescent layer or the second surface with the fluorescent layer, and the radiation photovoltaic transduction layer can be in contact with the fluorescent layer arranged on the first surface or the fluorescent layer arranged on the second surface. The isotope battery with the radiation photovoltaic and radiation photovoltaic dual effects can overcome the problems of low utilization rate and low output power of a radioactive source, and the utilization rate of the radioactive source and the output power can be improved by stacking and combining the radiation photovoltaic / radiation photovoltaic light-emitting unit and the radiation photovoltaic transduction layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of isotope battery technology, specifically to an isotope battery with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects, and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] An isotope battery is a type of battery that generates electricity using the decay of radioactive isotopes. Its advantages include long lifespan, reliable performance, miniaturization, and the ability to operate in harsh or extreme environments. Isotope batteries have a wide range of applications, including aerospace, military, marine, terrestrial, biomedical, and sensor fields. Among them, there are more than a dozen types of isotope batteries classified by their energy conversion mechanisms, such as radioactive photovoltaics, radioisotope thermoelectric power generation (RTG), alkali metal thermoelectric conversion, thermionic emission, the radiative photovoltaic effect, decay-coupled magnetic resonance, reciprocating oscillating cantilever beam, and radiative thermal photovoltaics.

[0003] A radiation-induced photovoltaic (PV) isotope cell is a device that uses radiation from the decay of radioactive isotopes to excite fluorescent materials to generate photons. These photons then enter a semiconductor to excite electron-hole pairs, producing voltage and current. However, only a portion of the radiation emitted by the radiation source in a PV isotope cell can excite the fluorescent material to generate photons; a portion of the emitted radiation remains unused. This results in low radiation utilization and consequently, low power generation efficiency, making the PV cannot be used in high-power environments.

[0004] In related technologies, how to improve the utilization rate of radioactive sources and increase the output power of isotope batteries is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, embodiments of this invention propose an isotope cell with both radiation photovoltaic (PV) and radiation-induced photovoltaic (PV) dual effects, and a method for its fabrication. This PV and PV dual-effect isotope cell improves the utilization rate of the radiation source and increases the output power by stacking and combining several radioactive source layers, several fluorescent layers, and several PV photovoltaic transducer layers.

[0006] The isotope cell of the present invention, which combines radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects, comprises:

[0007] At least one radiant photovoltaic (PV) light-emitting unit and at least one PV photovoltaic transducer layer;

[0008] The radiative photovoltaic (PV) light-emitting unit includes a radiation source layer, which has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other in its thickness direction, wherein the radiation source layer spontaneously excites particles.

[0009] The first and second surfaces are respectively provided with fluorescent layers for receiving the excitation particles and exciting fluorescence.

[0010] The photovoltaic transducer layer is disposed on a first side having the fluorescent layer or a second side having the fluorescent layer, and the photovoltaic transducer layer is capable of contacting the fluorescent layer disposed on the first side or the fluorescent layer disposed on the second side.

[0011] The photovoltaic transducer layer receives the excitation particles passing through the fluorescent layer and the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent layer to generate an electric current.

[0012] Furthermore, the material of the radioactive source layer is spent fuel.

[0013] Furthermore, several fluorescent reflective shells, each having a reflective cavity accommodating the fluorescent layer and an opening communicating with the reflective cavity, the fluorescent reflective shells being sleeved on the fluorescent layer, and the openings abutting against the photovoltaic transducer layer;

[0014] The fluorescent reflective shell corresponds one-to-one with the fluorescent layer.

[0015] Furthermore, the number of the radiant photovoltaic (PV) light-emitting units is at least two, and the number of the PV power conversion layers is at least three;

[0016] At least one side of each of the radiant photovoltaic transducer layers is in contact with a fluorescent layer disposed on the first side or a fluorescent layer disposed on the second side; each of the radiant / radioactive photovoltaic light-emitting units has the radiant photovoltaic transducer layer disposed on both sides.

[0017] Optionally, the thickness of the radioactive source layer is from 50 μm to 500 μm.

[0018] Optionally, the thickness of the fluorescent layer is from 50 μm to 200 μm.

[0019] Optionally, the thickness of the photovoltaic transducer layer is from 100 μm to 300 μm.

[0020] Optionally, the material of the photovoltaic transducer layer is one of GaAs, Si, CdTe, GaP, InP, GaInP, and perovskite.

[0021] Optionally, the fluorescent reflective shell is made of one of Al, Ag, MgO, TiO2, BaSO4, and ESR.

[0022] On the other hand, a method for preparing an isotope cell with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects is provided, which includes the following steps:

[0023] S1. The spent fuel rods are cut into multiple layered structures, each layered structure serving as a radioactive source layer, with each layered structure having the same thickness.

[0024] S2. Prepare the fluorescent layer;

[0025] S3. Prepare a fluorescent reflective shell at the corresponding position on the outer periphery of the fluorescent layer;

[0026] S4. Take a radioactive source prepared in step S1, fix the first of two adjacent fluorescent layers with fluorescent reflective shells to the first surface of the radioactive source layer, and fix the second of two adjacent fluorescent layers with fluorescent reflective shells to the second surface of the radioactive source layer to obtain a radiative photovoltaic unit.

[0027] S5. Repeat steps S2 to S4 to prepare at least two radiative photovoltaic (RF) units.

[0028] S6. Prepare at least three radiative photovoltaic (PV) transducer layers and stack them sequentially in an alternating arrangement of radiative / radioluminescent units and PV transducer layers, and make fixed and electrical connections between adjacent radiative / radioluminescent units and PV transducer layers.

[0029] S7. Lead out positive and negative electrodes from any end of each radiant photovoltaic transducer layer through wires; connect the positive and negative electrodes led out from each of the radiant photovoltaic transducer layers in parallel or in series to obtain the isotope cell with the dual effects of radiant photovoltaic and radiative photovoltaic. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an isotope cell with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure reference numerals: 1000 - Isotope cell with dual effects of radiative photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic, 100 - Radioactive source layer, 110 - First surface, 120 - Second surface, 200 - Fluorescent layer, 300 - Radiative photovoltaic transducer layer, 400 - Fluorescent reflective shell, 410 - Reflective cavity, 420 - Opening. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0033] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates an isotope cell 1000 exhibiting both radiative and radiative photovoltaic dual effects according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1As shown, the isotope cell 1000 with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects in this embodiment of the invention includes several radioactive source layers 100, several fluorescent layers 200, and several radiation photovoltaic transducer layers 300.

[0034] The radioactive source layer 100 has a first surface 110 and a second surface 120 disposed opposite each other in its thickness direction, wherein the radioactive source layer 100 spontaneously emits excitation particles; specifically, the excitation particles refer to α particles, β particles, and γ particles; the first of two adjacent fluorescent layers 200 is disposed on the first surface 110, and the second of two adjacent fluorescent layers 200 is disposed on the second surface 120, the fluorescent layer 200 receives α particles, β particles, and γ particles and excites fluorescence; the first of two adjacent photovoltaic transducer layers 300 is disposed on the first of the two adjacent fluorescent layers 200, and the two adjacent photovoltaic transducer layers 300... The first of the two adjacent fluorescent layers 200 and the radioactive source layer 100 are located on opposite sides of the first of the two adjacent fluorescent layers 200 in the thickness direction of the radioactive source layer 100; the second of the two adjacent photovoltaic transducer layers 300 is disposed on the second of the two adjacent fluorescent layers 200, and the second of the two adjacent photovoltaic transducer layers 300 and the radioactive source layer 100 are located on opposite sides of the second of the two adjacent fluorescent layers 200 in the thickness direction of the radioactive source layer 100; wherein, the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 receives β particles and γ particles passing through the fluorescent layer 200 and fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent layer 200 to generate current.

[0035] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the isotope cell 1000 with both radiation-induced photovoltaic (PV) and radiation-generated photovoltaic (PV) effects has fluorescent layers 200 on both sides of the radioactive source layer 100. The fluorescent layers 200 can receive radiation from the radioactive source layer 100 and convert it into light energy. The PV transducer layer 300 can receive the light energy and convert it into electrical energy. Simultaneously, radiation passing through the fluorescent layers 200 can be received by the PV transducer layer 300 and converted into electrical energy, thereby improving the utilization rate of the radioactive source layer 100. In other words, the energy generated by the decay of the radioactive source layer 100 cannot be completely deposited on the fluorescent layers 200; the fluorescent layers 200 absorb some of the energy, and the PV transducer layer 300 absorbs the remaining energy, thus improving the energy conversion efficiency. Furthermore, by stacking the radioactive source layer 100, the fluorescent layer 200, and the PV transducer layer 300, the utilization rate of the radioactive source layer 100 can be greatly improved, while also effectively increasing the output power of the PV and PV dual-effect isotope cell 1000.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, to make the technical solution of this application easier to understand, the technical solution of this application will be described in more detail below using a specific embodiment of the isotope cell 1000 with both radiation-induced photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects. It should be noted that the thickness direction of the radioactive source layer 100 can refer to... Figure 1The up and down directions.

[0037] In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the radioactive source layer 100 has a first surface 110 and a second surface 120 disposed opposite each other in its thickness direction, wherein the radioactive source layer 100 spontaneously emits alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma particles. Specifically, the top surface of the radioactive source layer 100 is the first surface 110, and the bottom surface of the radioactive source layer 100 is the second surface 120. The radioactive source layer 100 emits a large number of alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma particles through decay.

[0038] In some specific embodiments, the material of the radioactive source layer 100 is spent fuel. Specifically, spent fuel refers to fuel that has been irradiated in a nuclear reactor. Spent fuel can produce radiation such as alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma particles, and most of the alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma particles have energies reaching the MeV level.

[0039] It should be noted that the particles emitted from spent fuel and their reaction processes are as follows:

[0040] The proportions of various nuclides contained in spent fuel decommissioned from nuclear power plants are as follows: U-238 accounts for more than 95% (emitting alpha particles with an energy of approximately 4269 keV), the remaining U-235 accounts for approximately 1% (emitting alpha particles with an energy of approximately 4678 keV), the newly generated Pu-239 accounts for approximately 1% (emitting alpha particles with an energy of approximately 5244 keV), and some fission products account for approximately 3%, mainly emitting beta and gamma particles.

[0041] The emitted alpha particles have high energy and strong interaction with matter, allowing them to deposit all their energy within a short range. Therefore, the majority of the alpha particle energy is deposited in the fluorescent layer 200, resulting in fluorescence. The emitted beta particles have moderate interaction with matter, and most of their energy is deposited in the fluorescent layer 200. Any undeposited energy has been attenuated and can be directly injected into the photovoltaic conversion layer 300 for photovoltaic conversion. The emitted gamma particles have low energy and strong penetrability. A small portion of their energy is deposited in the fluorescent layer 200, while most of their energy enters the photovoltaic conversion layer 300 for photovoltaic conversion. Even any undeposited energy will re-enter the fluorescent layer 200 for energy deposition.

[0042] Spent fuel can be used directly from spent fuel rods unloaded from nuclear power plants without any processing. It only needs to be cut and ground into thin sheets for application, which greatly reduces costs.

[0043] In some specific embodiments, the thickness of the radioactive source layer 100 is from 50 μm to 500 μm.

[0044] In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the first of two adjacent fluorescent layers 200 is disposed on the first surface 110, and the second of two adjacent fluorescent layers 200 is disposed on the second surface 120. The fluorescent layers 200 receive α particles, β particles, and γ particles and excite fluorescence. Specifically, fluorescent layers 200 are disposed on both the first surface 110 and the second surface 120 of the radiation source layer 100, that is, there are fluorescent layers 200 on both sides of the radiation source layer 100. The fluorescent layers 200 can absorb the particles emitted by the radiation source layer 100. That is, the energy of most of the α particles, some of the β particles, and a small portion of the γ particles emitted by the radiation source layer 100 is deposited on the fluorescent layers 200 and converted into photons. The photons are then received by the photovoltaic conversion layer 300 and converted into electrical energy.

[0045] In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the thickness of the fluorescent layer 200 ranges from 50 μm to 200 μm.

[0046] In some specific embodiments, the fluorescent layer 200 is made of one of the following materials: ZnS:Ag, ZnS:Cu, Y2O3:Eu, Y2O2S:Eu, BGO, GAGG:Ce, YAG:Ce, CsI:Na, CsI:Tl, and NaI:Tl. Specifically, the fluorescent layer 200, made of ZnS:Ag, ZnS:Cu, Y2O3:Eu, or Y2O2S:Eu, can be prepared by methods such as sedimentation, sol-gel, in-situ solid-state method, or hot-pressing. Alternatively, the fluorescent layer 200, made of BGO, GAGG:Ce, YAG:Ce, CsI:Na, CsI:Tl, or NaI:Tl, can be obtained by cutting, grinding, or polishing.

[0047] In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the first of two adjacent photovoltaic (PV) transducer layers 300 is disposed on the first of two adjacent fluorescent layers 200, and the first of the two adjacent PV transducer layers 300 and the radioactive source layer 100 are respectively located on both sides of the first of the two adjacent fluorescent layers 200 in the thickness direction of the radioactive source layer 100; the second of the two adjacent PV transducer layers 300 is disposed on the second of the two adjacent fluorescent layers 200, and the second of the two adjacent PV transducer layers 300 and the radioactive source layer 100 are respectively located on both sides of the second of the two adjacent fluorescent layers 200 in the thickness direction of the radioactive source layer 100; wherein, the PV transducer layer 300 receives β particles and γ particles passing through the fluorescent layer 200 and fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent layer 200 to generate current. Specifically, the isotope cell 1000 with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects in a specific embodiment of the present invention can be understood as a stacked structure. The stacked structure is as follows: with the radioactive source layer 100 as a reference, a fluorescent layer 200, a radiation photovoltaic transducer layer 300, a fluorescent layer 200, a radioactive source layer 100, ..., a radiation photovoltaic transducer layer 300 are arranged sequentially on the top surface of the radioactive source layer 100, wherein the top layer of the stacked structure is the radiation photovoltaic transducer layer 300; in addition, with the radioactive source layer 100 as a reference, a fluorescent layer 200, a radiation photovoltaic transducer layer 300, a fluorescent layer 200, a radioactive source layer 100, ..., a radiation photovoltaic transducer layer 300 are arranged sequentially on the bottom surface of the radioactive source layer 100, wherein the bottom layer of the stacked structure is the radiation photovoltaic transducer layer 300. In other words, by stacking the radioactive source layer 100, the fluorescent layer 200, and the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 in the manner described above, not only can the fluorescent layer 200 maximize the absorption of particles emitted by the radioactive source layer 100 and convert the particles into photons, which are then absorbed by the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 and converted into electrical energy, but also some particles in the radioactive source layer 100 are not deposited in the fluorescent layer 200. That is, particles passing through the fluorescent layer 200 can be directly absorbed by the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 and converted into electrical energy, thereby improving the energy utilization rate of the radioactive source layer 100.

[0048] In this process, the energy of most of the α particles, some of the β particles, and a small portion of the γ particles in the radioactive source layer 100 is deposited in the fluorescent layer 200 and converted into photons for emission. The unconverted particles pass directly through the fluorescent layer 200 and are directly absorbed by the photovoltaic energy conversion layer 300 and converted into electrical energy.

[0049] In some specific embodiments, the thickness of the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 is 100 μm to 300 μm.

[0050] In some specific embodiments, the material of the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 is one of GaAs, Si, CdTe, GaP, InP, GaInP, and perovskite.

[0051] In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the fluorescent reflective shell 400 has a reflective cavity 410 for accommodating the fluorescent layer 200 and an opening 420 communicating with the reflective cavity 410. The fluorescent reflective shell 400 is sleeved on the fluorescent layer 200, and the opening 420 abuts against the photovoltaic transducer layer 300. Specifically, the fluorescent reflective shell 400 can reflect the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent layer 200. That is, the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent layer 200 can be reflected within the reflective cavity 410 and then projected onto the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 through the opening 420. This ensures that all the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent layer 200 can be received by the photovoltaic transducer layer 300, thereby improving the utilization rate of fluorescence and avoiding waste of fluorescence from the fluorescent layer 200. Alpha, beta, and gamma particles spontaneously emitted by the radioactive source layer 100 can penetrate the fluorescent reflective shell 400, but the fluorescent reflective shell 400 can prevent fluorescence penetration. In other words, the fluorescence excited by the fluorescent layer 200 emits fluorescent photons in all directions, and without restriction, more than 60% of the energy will be lost. The fluorescent reflective shell 400 can direct the fluorescence to the surface of the photovoltaic transducer, improving the utilization rate of the fluorescence. Compared with not adding a reflective layer, the energy utilization rate can be increased by more than 100%.

[0052] Specifically, the fluorescent reflective shell 400 is prepared by physical vapor deposition methods such as magnetron sputtering.

[0053] In some specific embodiments, the fluorescent reflective shell 400 is made of one of Al, Ag, MgO, TiO2, BaSO4, and ESR.

[0054] In some specific embodiments, the thickness of the fluorescent reflective shell is from 10 nm to 100 nm.

[0055] Fabrication process of 1000 isotope cells with dual effects of radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic:

[0056] S1. The spent fuel rods are cut into multiple layered structures, each layered structure serving as a radioactive source layer 100, with each layered structure having a uniform thickness.

[0057] Specifically, spent fuel rods are cut and ground to obtain a radioactive source layer 100 with a thickness of 50 μm to 500 μm, wherein the spent fuel rods are spent fuel rods that have been removed from nuclear power plants.

[0058] S2. Prepare the fluorescent layer.

[0059] Specifically, the thickness of the fluorescent layer 200 is 50 μm to 200 μm.

[0060] As one method for preparing the fluorescent layer, a fluorescent gel is first prepared, then brushed and dried to obtain the fluorescent layer 200. Specifically, the fluorescent gel is prepared by using a sol-gel method to obtain phosphors. One embodiment of the phosphor is ZnS:Cu phosphor. Of course, all phosphors with fluorescent functions can be used in this technical solution to achieve the same technical effect.

[0061] As another method for preparing the fluorescent layer, a scintillator is used, and the scintillator is sequentially cut, ground, and polished to obtain the fluorescent layer 200. Specifically, one embodiment of the scintillator is GAGG:Ce material. Of course, all scintillators with fluorescent functions can be used in this technical solution to achieve the same technical effect.

[0062] S3. Next, a fluorescent reflective shell 400 is prepared at a corresponding position on the outer periphery of the fluorescent layer 200, and the fluorescent reflective shell 400 is fixed to the outer periphery of the fluorescent layer 200. Specifically, the fluorescent reflective shell 400 made of Al material is prepared on the outer periphery of the fluorescent layer 200 by PVD (such as magnetron sputtering), wherein the thickness of the fluorescent reflective shell 400 is 10 nm to 100 nm.

[0063] Specifically, the fluorescent reflective shell 400 is an aluminum film.

[0064] S4. Fix the first of two adjacent fluorescent layers 200 with fluorescent reflective shells 400 to the first surface 110 of the radiation source layer 100, and fix the second of two adjacent fluorescent layers 200 with fluorescent reflective shells 400 to the second surface 120 of the radiation source layer 100 to obtain a radiant photovoltaic unit.

[0065] Specifically, after uniformly applying a transparent adhesive to the outer periphery of the fluorescent reflective shell 400, it is attached to the surface of the radiation source layer 100.

[0066] S5. Repeat steps S2 to S4 to prepare several radiative photovoltaic (RF) units.

[0067] S6. Prepare a photovoltaic transducer layer 300 by stacking the radiative / radioluminescent units and the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 in an alternating arrangement, and make fixed and electrical connections between adjacent radiative / radioluminescent units and photovoltaic transducer layers 300.

[0068] Specifically, the material of the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 is one of GaAs, Si, CdTe, GaP, InP, GaInP, perovskite photovoltaic chips, etc., and the structure of the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 is one of PN junction, PIN junction, NPN junction, PNP junction, Schottky junction, triple PN junction.

[0069] Among them, the N-type semiconductor is prepared using the vertical gradient solidification method, and the P-type semiconductor is prepared on the N-type semiconductor using the chemical vapor deposition method.

[0070] It should be noted that N-type semiconductors are semiconductors doped with Group V elements, while P-type semiconductors are semiconductors doped with Group III elements.

[0071] As one embodiment of the radiant photovoltaic transducer layer 300, an N-type epitaxial wafer of GaAs is grown by vertical gradient solidification as a substrate, and a P-layer is prepared by CVD to form a PN junction, thereby obtaining the radiant photovoltaic transducer layer 300.

[0072] In addition, in practical implementation, the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 needs to be thinned to a thickness of 100 μm to 300 μm. The reason for thinning the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 is that since fluorescence is incident on both the upper and lower surfaces of the photovoltaic transducer layer 300 simultaneously, the device substrate needs to be thinned using methods such as mechanical polishing, chemical polishing, or a combination of mechanical and chemical polishing to reduce energy loss due to fluorescence deposition on the photovoltaic transducer layer 300.

[0073] Specifically, it should be noted that the process for fixed and electrical connections involves first implanting metal balls, followed by reflow. That is, between the radiative / radioluminescent units and the photovoltaic transducer layer 300, metal balls are first implanted to achieve stacking. In this embodiment, metal balls such as tin or gold are used to facilitate connection with the packaging substrate. The implanted metal balls are then heated to their melting point, causing them to flow and fill the tiny gaps between the layers. The molten metal balls act as a conductive medium between the layers, thereby achieving fixed and electrical connections between adjacent layers.

[0074] S7. Positive and negative electrodes are led out from any end of each radiant photovoltaic transducer layer 300 through wires; the positive and negative electrodes led out from each of the radiant photovoltaic transducer layers 300 are connected in parallel or in series to obtain the isotope cell 1000 with radiant and radiative photovoltaic dual effects.

[0075] Specifically, the smallest unit within the isotope cell 1000 with both radiative and radiative photovoltaic effects is a radiative / radiative luminescence unit and a radiative photovoltaic transducer layer. The more layers stacked, the greater the power of the isotope cell 1000.

[0076] As one embodiment of the isotope cell 1000 with both radiative and radiative photovoltaic effects, in the prior art, using 238A single-layer planar radiation-induced photovoltaic cell (PU) with a source activity of 300 mCi is shown in the table below. In a specific embodiment, an isotope cell 1000 with both radiation-induced photovoltaic (PV) and radiation-induced photovoltaic (RTPV) dual effects is also prepared using a source with an activity of 300 mCi. This PV and RPV dual-effect isotope cell 1000 utilizes a stacked arrangement, meaning that radiation from both the upper and lower surfaces of the radiation source layer 100 can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, the material of the radiation source layer 100 is spent fuel, which can emit radiation such as alpha, beta, and gamma particles. The radiation from the spent fuel can be utilized by the fluorescent layer 200 and the PV photovoltaic transducer layer 300 to generate electricity, thereby improving energy conversion efficiency. Compared with existing technologies, the output performance of the PV and RPV dual-effect isotope cell 1000 in this specific embodiment is significantly improved.

[0077] parameter <![CDATA[Traditional 238 Pu radiation-induced photovoltaic cell]]> This invention battery Maximum output power (μW) 21 50 Energy conversion efficiency (%) 0.11 0.26

[0078] The isotope cell and its preparation method that utilize the dual effects of radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic disclosed in this invention have the following technical advantages:

[0079] 1. Higher efficiency: This invention effectively utilizes the particle energy that cannot be fully deposited in a single energy conversion through the radiation photovoltaic / radiation photovoltaic dual effect and multilayer structure, thereby improving the energy conversion efficiency of the battery.

[0080] 2. Simpler source preparation operation: Unlike traditional methods that use liquid unsealed sources for electroplating or chemical plating to prepare thin film sources, this invention only requires cutting the spent fuel rods removed from nuclear power plants, simplifying the source preparation process and further reducing risks.

[0081] 3. Higher power: The spent fuel rods used in this invention are more than 95% U and Pu nuclides, which radiate alpha particles with energy greater than 4 MeV, far greater than nuclides such as Ni-63 and Pm-147. Therefore, the isotope battery can generate greater power.

[0082] 4. Lower cost: The isotope source used in this invention is spent fuel discharged from nuclear power plants, which eliminates the need for nuclide separation and extraction, greatly reducing costs.

[0083] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0084] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0085] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0086] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0087] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0088] Although the above embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions and variations made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An isotope cell with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects, characterized in that, include: At least one radiant photovoltaic (PV) light-emitting unit and at least one PV photovoltaic transducer layer; The radiative photovoltaic (PV) light-emitting unit includes a radiation source layer, which has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other in its thickness direction, wherein the radiation source layer spontaneously excites particles. The first and second surfaces are respectively provided with fluorescent layers for receiving the excitation particles and exciting fluorescence. The photovoltaic transducer layer is disposed on a first side having the fluorescent layer or a second side having the fluorescent layer, and the photovoltaic transducer layer is capable of contacting the fluorescent layer disposed on the first side or the fluorescent layer disposed on the second side. The photovoltaic transducer layer receives the excitation particles passing through the fluorescent layer and the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent layer to generate an electric current.

2. The isotopic cell with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the radioactive source layer is spent fuel.

3. The isotopic cell with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic dual effects according to any one of claims 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Several fluorescent reflective shells, each having a reflective cavity for accommodating the fluorescent layer and an opening communicating with the reflective cavity, the fluorescent reflective shells being sleeved on the fluorescent layer, and the openings abutting against the photovoltaic transducer layer; The fluorescent reflective shell corresponds one-to-one with the fluorescent layer.

4. The isotopic cell with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of the radiant photovoltaic (PV) light-emitting units is at least two, and the number of the PV power conversion layers is at least three. At least one side of each of the radiant photovoltaic transducer layers is in contact with a fluorescent layer disposed on the first side or a fluorescent layer disposed on the second side; each of the radiant / radioactive photovoltaic light-emitting units has the radiant photovoltaic transducer layer disposed on both sides.

5. The isotopic cell with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the radioactive source layer is between 50 μm and 500 μm.

6. The isotopic cell with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the fluorescent layer is from 50 μm to 200 μm.

7. The isotopic cell with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the photovoltaic transducer layer is 100 μm to 300 μm.

8. The isotopic cell with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the photovoltaic transducer layer is one of GaAs, Si, CdTe, GaP, InP, GaInP, and perovskite.

9. The isotopic cell with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fluorescent reflective shell is made of one of the following materials: Al, Ag, MgO, TiO2, BaSO4, and ESR.

10. A method for preparing an isotopic battery with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects, used to prepare the isotopic battery with both radiation photovoltaic and radiation-induced photovoltaic effects as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The spent fuel rods are cut into multiple layered structures, each layered structure serving as a radioactive source layer, with each layered structure having the same thickness. S2. Prepare the fluorescent layer; S3. Prepare a fluorescent reflective shell at the corresponding position on the outer periphery of the fluorescent layer; S4. Take a radioactive source prepared in step S1, fix the first of two adjacent fluorescent layers with fluorescent reflective shells to the first surface of the radioactive source layer, and fix the second of two adjacent fluorescent layers with fluorescent reflective shells to the second surface of the radioactive source layer to obtain a radiative photovoltaic unit. S5. Repeat steps S2 to S4 to prepare at least two radiative photovoltaic (RF) units. S6. Prepare at least three radiative photovoltaic (PV) transducer layers and stack them sequentially in an alternating arrangement of radiative / radioluminescent units and PV transducer layers, and make fixed and electrical connections between adjacent radiative / radioluminescent units and PV transducer layers. S7. Lead out positive and negative electrodes from any end of each radiant photovoltaic transducer layer through wires; connect the positive and negative electrodes led out from each of the radiant photovoltaic transducer layers in parallel or in series to obtain the isotope cell with the dual effects of radiant photovoltaic and radiative photovoltaic.

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