H-Power Corp. of Belleville, N.J., the first company to complete a commercial sale of PEM fuel cell systems, has developed a prototype portable power briefcase that provides 35 watts for laptops or other electronic devices. The company is looking at small direct methanol fuel cells, as well. The fuel cell employs six unit cells, each interleaving a gas-permeable electrolyte less than a micron thick between two thin platinum electrodes. The proximity of the electrodes to one another allows hydrogen at the anode to oxidize, losing electrons, then migrate to the cathode where it rejoins with its electrons and oxygen. In Israel, Medis El is working on fuel cells to power small electrical appliances.
Much work remains in spite of the many advances being made in fuel cells for portable electronics.
Low energy density, rechargeability, cycle life, stability, cost, and environmental issues all affect one kind of battery or another. The current state of battery technology contrasts sharply with that of the tenacious internal combustion engine, which is inexpensive and successful, and has a sophisticated support structure already entrenched.