Energy Generation & Storage PPP
A neutron can be captured by a nucleus, like a hydrogen atom, and form a new nucleus, releasing a proton. This process is known as neutron capture and is a key reaction in the formation of heavier elements from lighter ones. Can Yttrium (39) Capture Neutrons from Gold?
NASA PARTNERSHIP
Partnering to Develop High Power Density Power Source for Small to Large Scale Devices
BENEFITS
More simple and efficient than competing methods: thermionic emission is superior to radioisotope thermoelectric generation, with reported electron emission of 10-20% for single-layer NTAC versus 6- 7% for TEG (multi-layer NTAC will double or triple the electron emission efficiency)
Ease of manufacturing: The technology adapts well-established semiconductor manufacturing techniques, lowering the initial investment costs
Compact size: the use of thin-film structures enables the device to be fabricated as small as a button cell
Long-lasting power source:
because the half-life of radioactive materials can be nearly a century, a single NTAC charge can run for decades without refueling