New energy conversion system based on charge-exchange and inner-shell electron transitions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel energy conversion system utilizing inner-shell electron transitions via charge exchange between argon ions and helium, achieving ultra-high power and energy densities with potential for practical applications.

Contribution

The work demonstrates a new energy platform based on inner-shell electron transitions, overcoming previous energy thresholds and enabling high-density power sources.

Findings

Achieved a radiation power density of 6.29×10^8 W L^-1.

Realized an energy density of 2.64×10^6 Wh kg^-1.

Controlled output via pressure tuning in a helium-filled chamber.

Abstract

The rapidly growing demand for compact, high-energy power sources has outpaced the capabilities of conventional electrochemical systems that rely on outer-shell redox reactions. In this work, we present a new energy platform that utilizes inner-shell electron transitions that are previously inaccessible due to their high energy thresholds. By leveraging charge exchange processes between bare argon ions (Ar^18+) and neutral helium atoms, we provide clear evidence for the emission of soft X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet photons across a broad spectra range, resulting from inner-shell electron capture and cascade de-excitation. This strategy overcomes the limitations of radiative recombination by enhancing photon energy utilization through broader emission profiles more compatible with practical energy converters. Our design of a helium-filled chamber design enables precise control of output via pressure tuning, achieving a remarkable radiation power density of 6.29*10^8 W L^-1 and an unprecedented energy density of 2.64*10^6 Wh kg^-1. These results may provide a new and effective paradigm for energy conversion systems with ultra-high power and energy densities based on inner-shell electrons.