University of Missouri

John David Robertson

Jae Wan Kwon

Tongtawee Wacharasindhu

Paul H Pevsner

Mark F McLaughlin

A solid-state high energy-density micro radioisotope power source device including a dielectric and radiation shielding body having an internal cavity, a first electrode disposed a first end of the cavity, and a second electrode disposed at an opposing second end of the cavity and spaced apart from the first electrode such that a micro chamber is provided therebetween. The device further includes a solid-state composite voltaic semiconductor disposed within the micro chamber fabricated by combining at least one semiconductor material with at least one radioisotope material to provide a pre-voltaic semiconductor composition; depositing the pre-voltaic semiconductor composition into the micro chamber; heating the body to liquefy the pre-voltaic semiconductor composition within the micro chamber such that the semiconductor and radioisotope materials are uniformly mixed; and cooling the body and liquid state composite mixture such that liquid state composite mixture solidifies to provide the solid-state composite voltaic semiconductor.

High energy-density radioisotope micro power sources

The present invention is directed &#x3b1;-particle emitting nanoparticles that comprise a lanthanide phosphate sequestration shell enclosing an &#x3b1;-emitting-radioisotope-doped lanthanide phosphate core such that the shell allows at least some of the &#x3b1; emissions from the &#x3b1;-emitting radioisotope to pass therethrough and prevents at least some radioactive decay products of the &#x3b1;-emitting radioisotope from exiting the &#x3b1;-particle emitting nanoparticle. Further, such &#x3b1;-particle emitting nanoparticles may be coated with gold and functionalized. Additionally, a method for making and using the same are disclosed.

Gold coated lanthanide nanoparticles

A method of constructing a solid-state energy-density micro radioisotope power source device. In such embodiments, the method comprises depositing the pre-voltaic semiconductor composition, comprising a semiconductor material and a radioisotope material, into a micro chamber formed within a power source device body. The method additionally includes heating the body to a temperature at which the pre-voltaic semiconductor composition will liquefy within the micro chamber to provide a liquid state composite mixture. Furthermore, the method includes cooling the body and liquid state composite mixture such that liquid state composite mixture solidifies to provide a solid-state composite voltaic semiconductor, thereby providing a solid-state high energy-density micro radioisotope power source device.

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Columbia, MO, United States of America

John David Robertson