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arXiv · 2601.17015

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

Tianrui Li·Yi Jiang·Chen Zhao·Bingsheng Tu·Peining Chen·Jiajun Qin·Huisheng Peng
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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.

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Tianrui Li, Yi Jiang, Chen Zhao, Bingsheng Tu, Peining Chen, Jiajun Qin, Huisheng Peng. 2026-01-15. New energy conversion system based on charge-exchange and inner-shell electron transitions. https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.17015

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