Betavoltaic rechargeable Zn-ion battery based on hybrid cathode by combining betavoltaic structure with intercalation host.

This article presents a ⁶³Ni-powered betavoltaic rechargeable Zn-ion battery (BRZiB) designed to simultaneously harvest, convert, and store beta-radioactive energy within a single device. The BRZiB integrates a three-dimensional patterned ZnO microrod array (ZMRAs) embedded with a ⁶³Ni beta source and a carbon-coated VO₂ (C@VO₂) nanocomposite cathode, enabling efficient betavoltaic power generation and Zn-ion intercalation. Experimental results demonstrate an energy conversion efficiency of 5.1% and an energy density of 128 mWh/g over the approximately 100-year half-life of ⁶³Ni, with stable charge-discharge cycling and enhanced electrochemical performance attributed to beta-excited carriers. This work offers a novel approach to overcoming the low power output and integration challenges of betavoltaic cells by internally merging energy conversion and storage components, potentially advancing long-term, maintenance-free power sources for harsh environments.