The conversion of radiation field particle energy into electric current by graphene is the basis of Neutrinovoltaic technology.

Graphene is capable of converting the energy of invisible radiation particles into electric current thanks to a unique combination of structural and electronic properties. Key mechanisms:

1. Two-dimensional structure and bonding of atoms

Graphene is a single-atom carbon layer with a hexagonal lattice. Each carbon atom is linked by σ-bonds to three adjacent bonds in the plane, while the fourth valence electron remains in an unhybridized p-orbital state (perpendicular to the plane). This creates:

• a delocalized π-electron system;

• high charge carrier mobility (up to 2 x 10^5 cm^2/(V s) at room temperature).

2. Linear energy spectrum (Dirac points)

In graphene, the conduction and valence bands touch at points called the Dirac points (K and K′ in the Brillouin zone). This leads to:

• massless behavior of quasiparticles (electrons and holes), described by the Dirac equation for graphene:

E(k) = ±v_{F}|k|,

where v_{F}≈10^6 m/s is the Fermi velocity, and k is the wave factor;

• anomalously high carrier mobility, which facilitates their acceleration under the influence of external fields.

3. Interaction with radiation

The energy of particles (photons, neutrinos, and other charged particles) is transferred to graphene electrons through:

• Photoexcitation: photons with energies E_γ​ ≥2E_F (where E_F is the Fermi energy) create electron-hole pairs;

• Inelastic collisions: high-energy particles transfer momentum to electrons, causing them to drift;

• Lattice vibrations (phonons): radiation energy excites acoustic and optical phonons, which interact with electrons.

4. Current generation

Under the influence of an external field (or potential gradient), excited charge carriers move in a directed manner, generating a current. Key factors:

• Long-term relaxation: the lifetime of nonequilibrium carriers in graphene reaches nanoseconds, allowing them to travel significant distances before recombination;

• Low dissipation: Due to its linear band structure and the absence of a band gap, graphene efficiently converts energy without significant losses due to heating.

To enhance the effect use:

• Multilayer structures (graphene/silicon, graphene/doped materials), where alternating layers increase the interaction area;

• Nanostructuring (nanoribbons, quantum dots) for field localization and enhanced absorption;

• External fields (electric, magnetic) for controlling carrier transport.

These properties of graphene make it a promising material for fuel-free generators (e.g., Neutrinovoltaic technology) powered by neutrinos, which have mass, thermal noise, and electromagnetic fields.

Structure of the material used in Neutrinovoltaic technology

The mechanism of graphene's conversion of radiation field particle energy into electric current

The key element of the technology is a multilayer nanomaterial constructed by alternating two-dimensional layers of graphene and silicon with doping additives. The optimal number of alternating layers deposited on a metal substrate (metal foil) is 12 to 20. This heterostructure ensures complex interaction with surrounding energy fields and particles of the invisible radiation spectrum.

Physical mechanisms of energy conversion in Neutrinovoltaic technology

The material converts radiation energy into electric current through a combination of effects:

piezoelectric – charge generation during mechanical deformation;

triboelectric – charge generation during contact/friction between surfaces;

flexoelectric – polarization under a deformation gradient;

thermoelectric – conversion of a temperature gradient into voltage.

Neutrino interaction mechanism

A simplified diagram of coherent elastic scattering of neutrinos on heavy nuclei. D. Akimov et al. Science

The energy conversion process is based on the process of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CevNS). During the interaction:

• The neutrino transfers recoil momentum to the nucleus;

• The recoil energy E_r lies in the eV-keV range, determined by the mass of the nucleus and the energy of the neutrino.

Although the energy of a single event is small, the enormous flux of neutrinos (solar and atmospheric) provides an integrated energy effect.

The role of graphene

Two-dimensional graphene performs key functions:

• converting the energy of invisible fields into electric current;

• energy amplification through the resonance of atomic vibrations.

The technology utilizes a combination of low-intensity sources: solar and atmospheric neutrinos, cosmic muons, ambient electromagnetic fields, and thermal vibrations of the crystal lattice. This makes the system multi-channel—energy is collected from various physical processes. In Neutrinovoltaic technology, each individual interaction is not decisive. The system functions through the parallel summation of multiple independent events. Billions of weak interactions combine to form a macroscopic electric current that can be measured. This principle is similar to that used in semiconductor devices, ensuring their stable operation even in the presence of microscopic noise. Only the cumulative effect of billions of interactions creates a signal that exceeds the detection threshold.

Experimental Verification and Prospects

Experimental data confirmed the correctness of the theoretical calculations and the feasibility of practical application of the technology. Prospects for industrial implementation are directly linked to the development of an industrial, automated technology for depositing single-atom layers of materials onto large areas of metal foil. Scientists at the Neutrino Energy group, led by Holger Thorsten Schubart, have already solved this problem, paving the way for:

• the creation of fuel-free energy sources of varying power;

• the development of distributed power generation systems independent of location (cities, remote areas, space);

• reducing the environmental impact by eliminating fossil fuels.

Thus, graphene and Neutrinovoltaic pave the way for fundamentally new energy solutions based on the use of dissipated energy in the environment.

Authors: L.K. Rumiantcev, Ph.D., Holger Thorsten Schubart, Doctor of Economics

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