Sharp claims its latest direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) for powering mobile equipment have the highest power density achieved so far for the technology.
At 0.3W/cc, the cells are about seven times denser than Sharp’s previous generation.
Like other fuel cells, DMFCs generate electrical power by the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. In the DMFC, methanol is supplied directly to the power generation stack of the cell and reacts with oxygen in the air.
Sharp has achieved the higher density in the new cells by shrinking the stack structure of the power generation element. The new 3D stack uses micro-fabricated thin cells laminated alternately with spacers arranged in a crystal-like grid.
This structure increases the surface area of the cell, exposing more of it to atmospheric oxygen.
Although Sharp sees scope for the cells to be miniaturised further, the next step will be to create cells of this density with longer lifespan, the company says.
Imminent fuel cell-powered mobile phones deemed safe to fly by US Department of Transportation 02 May 2008
Researchers at Imperial College London embark on 'artificial leaf' project to produce power by mimicking photosynthesis 12 Aug 2009
Dynario fuel cell lets users recharge their phones when they can't access mains electricity 23 Oct 2009
Critics have said BlackLight's technology will not work, but at least six energy firms obviously think otherwise 03 Aug 2009
Infrastructure, venture capital, job creation and green financial products should all fall within its remit, say backers 17 Mar 2010
Andrew Williams casts his eye over some of the most popular green driving aids on the market 16 Mar 2010
From hydropower hot spots to record-breaking Texan winds, we run down the top stories from the past week 12 Mar 2010
Few debates cast the UK's business and political community in such an unedifying light as the never-ending row over skills.... 12 Mar 2010








