Theoretical study of conventional semiconductors as transducers to increase power and efficiency in betavoltaic batteries

TL;DR

This study evaluates various conventional semiconductors for use as transducers in betavoltaic batteries, identifying diamond, c-BN, and 4H-SiC as the most efficient options based on multiple physical and electronic criteria.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive quantitative comparison of conventional semiconductors for betavoltaic applications, proposing optimal materials for different battery structures.

Findings

Diamond, c-BN, and 4H-SiC are the most suitable semiconductors for betavoltaic efficiency.

Different semiconductor materials are recommended for planar and 3D betavoltaic structures.

Evaluation criteria include backscattering, electron-hole generation, radiation damage, and physical properties.

Abstract

Semiconductor materials play an important role as transducers of electrical energy in betavoltaic batteries. Optimal selection of effective factors will increase the efficiency of these batteries. In this study, based on common semiconductors and relying on increasing the maximum efficiency of betavoltaic batteries and the possibility of using 3H, 63Ni, and 147Pm beta sources, the indicators and criteria for optimal selection of semiconductor materials are determined. Evaluation criteria include the backscattering coefficient of beta particles from semiconductors, efficiency of electron-hole pairs generation, electronic specifications and properties, radiation damage threshold, radiation yield, stopping power and penetration of beta particles in semiconductors, physical characteristics, temperature tolerance, accessibility, and fabrication are considered. Conventional semiconductors have been quantitatively evaluated based on these criteria and compared with silicon semiconductors. 10 semiconductors, , diamond, 2H-SiC, 3C-SiC, 4H-SiC, AlN, MgO, B4C with effective atomic number less than 14 and bandgap energy above 1.12 eV at room temperature (300K) compared to Silicon semiconductors are evaluated. Finally, according to the evaluation indicators, Diamond, c-BN, and 4H-SiC are more suitable semiconductors in terms of efficiency have selected, respectively. The results indicate that for planar batteries, a betavoltaic semiconductor type junction for Schottky diamond with 147pm radioisotope, and 4H-SiC semiconductors with 63Ni or 3H radioisotopes, and for three-dimensional structures of betavoltaic batteries, Si combination with 147pm or 63Ni radioisotopes is recommended.