Fuel Cells in Cell Phones

The most common types of batteries are Ni-Cad, NiMH, and Li-ion (see Cell Phone Batteries). Many companies are now developing a new type of power source. This battery comes in a membrane and known as a fuel cell.

The membrane is surrounded by a solution of methanol and water. A small electrical charge attracts the solution to the membrane, which causes electrons to be released by the solution. These electrons are what give power to the device. The byproducts are of the reaction are carbon dioxide and water. This is similar to the fuel cell research currently being done for automobiles, and laptop computers.

Many Japanese electronics companies are expected to release fuel cells for laptops and cell phones late in 2005. Additionally there are now 35 different companies in the United States that have government sponsored research projects underway.

For more information see the following websites