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

A betavoltaic battery was prepared using radioactive 63Ni attached to a three-dimensional single trenched P–N absorber. The optimum thickness of a 63Ni layer was determined to be approximately 2 μm, considering the minimum self-shielding effect of beta particles. Electroplating of radioactive 63Ni on a nickel (Ni) foil was carried out at a current density of 20 mA/cm2. The difference of the short-circuit currents (Isc) between the pre- and postdeposition of 63Ni (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.