A Novel Approach for Betavoltaic Devices Utilizing Nitrogen Doped Graphene Powder as an Electrode

Betavoltaic devices were created based on the direct energy conversion method patented by Paul Rappaport in 1953. Betavoltaic devices are potential alternatives to current next generation batteries and fuel cells. A betavoltaic cell consists of a radioisotope that emits beta particles (electrons) and a semiconducting material. In the betavoltaic device the radioisotope emits a beta particle which passes through the semiconductor creating many electron-hole pairs (EHPs) causing a current to be produced. Current betavoltaic devices utilize high band gap semiconductors such as gallium arsenide, silicon carbide, and gallium phosphide. In this research, graphene will be used as a substitute for the semiconducting material used in current betavoltaic devices. Graphene is a new material which due to its remarkable electronic properties, is currently being investigated for possible applications in many fields. The purpose of this research is to incorporate graphene's properties as a semiconductor for use as an electrode in betavoltaic devices.