A hybrid sequential deposition fabrication technique for micro fuel cells

Abstract

Micro fuel cell systems have elicited significant interest due to their promise for instantly rechargeable, longer duration and portable power. Most micro fuel cell systems are either built as miniaturized plate-and-frame or silicon-based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Plate-and-frame systems are difficult to fabricate smaller than 20 cm3. Existing micro fuel cell designs cannot meet the cost, scale and power requirements of some portable power markets. Traditional MEMS scaling advantages do not apply to fuel cells because the minimum area for the fuel cell is fixed by the catalyst area required for a given power output, and minimum volume set by mass transport limitations. We have developed a new hybrid technique that borrows from both micro and macro machining techniques to create fuel cells in the 1–20 cm3 range, suitable for cell phones, PDAs and smaller devices.

Investigations on porous silicon as electrode material in electrochemical capacitors

“…Nowadays, portable electronic devices need new power supply systems such as micro-fuel cells [1] and efficient integrated energy storage systems. Electric double layer capacitors have been widely used during this past decade for energy storage, notably for electric vehicle applications [2].…”

Micro direct methanol fuel cell: functional components, supplies management, packaging technology and application

“…Stanley et al . presented a hybrid sequential deposition fabrication technique for μDMFC . Chan et al .…”

“…Silicon was used as a substrate for the fabrication of electrodes, and the MEA was provided by Ion Power, Inc [10]. Stanley et al presented a hybrid sequential deposition fabrication technique for μDMFC [11]. Chan et al studied a micro fuel cell by polymeric micromachining technique.…”

Micro-fuel cell power sources

“…In principle, this will increase the power density of the fuel cell for the same flow rates. This effect has been studied both theoretically and experimentally (Cha et al, 2004a,b;Stanley et al, 2005). Results of computational flow dynamics modelling incorporating multi-physics fuel cell models predict continual improvement in fuel cell power density as channel width and spacing are decreased.…”