ALBUQUERQUE, May 6 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers said they have developed a new type of membrane that could help bring micro fuel cells closer to realization.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratory said the polymer electrolyte membrane, or PEM, could lead to fuel cells that use diverse fuels such as glucose, methanol, and hydrogen. It could help fill the need for new, uninterrupted autonomous power sources for sensors, communications, microelectronics, healthcare applications, and transportation, they said.
Using the PEM, the researchers found that new types of fuel cells could operate as high as 140 degrees Celsius (about 285 degrees Fahrenheit). Such cells could deliver higher power outputs using methanol and hydrogen as fuel.
"We see this ... material as having the potential of being integrated into fuel cells ranging from microwatts to kilowatts," researchers said. "Such a broad power range means that this (membrane) could be used in a fuel cell to power everything from sensors, cell phones, laptops, and automobiles."
