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Is there a way to convert radiation from atomic decay into energy directly, the same way we do sunlight with a solar cell?
(lemmy.dbzer0.com)
Couldn't we have a lead box lined with these radiation to electricity converters with a small amount of radioactive material in the center, and have an energy generating device that would last for thousands or even millions of years? Imagine putting the sun in a box lined with solar cells, but on a much smaller scale.
Is there a reason this wouldn't work?
It works, but if I remember well my material science course, the yield is pretty bad compared to a simple steam-turbine. Therefore engineer chose the simplest and most efficient design. And this is how the most advanced energy source humanity have end-up being controlled by a good old steam machine