Recent developments in MEMS-based miniature fuel cells

Abstract

Micro fuel cells (l-FCs) represent promising power sources for portable applications. Today, one of the technological ways to make l-FCs is to have recourse to standard microfabrication techniques used in the fabrication of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). This paper shows an overview on the applications of MEMS techniques on miniature FCs by presenting several solutions developed throughout the world. It also describes the latest developments of a new porous silicon-based miniature fuel cell. Using a silane grafted on an inorganic porous media as the proton-exchange membrane instead of a common ionomer such as Nafion Ò , the fuel cell achieved a maximum power density of 58 mW cm -2 at room temperature with hydrogen as fuel.

Silicon-based micro direct methanol fuel cell with an N-inputs-N-outputs anode flow pattern

“…These parts were then assembled to form the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA). Ultimately, the MEA was sandwiched between the anode and cathode to create an integrated μDMFC with an active area of 0.64 cm 2 . Figure 4 shows a photograph of the μDMFC prototype structure fabricated using micro-machining technology.…”

“…They are based on MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology. In addition, they have reached a breakthrough point and will likely be used in micro systems and portable electronic products such as notebook computers and mobile phones in the near future [1][2][3][4][5]. Because of the potential of μDMFC technology to replace conventional power sources, many researchers have paid increased attention to various aspects concerning the μDMFC technology [6][7][8][9], such as the anode-flow-field configuration, which is a crucial factor for μDMFC applications [10,11].…”

Effect of physical vapor deposition metallic thin films on micro injection molded weld line mechanical properties

“…While regarding to micro injection molded polymeric parts, the metallic coating layers/thin films with special electrical, magnetic and mechanical properties always are adhered on the micro polymer parts' surface, satisfying with the MEMS's multi-functional demands by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD) and electroforming etc. (Bedenbecker et al 2008;Bandorf et al 2004;Pichonat and Gauthier-Manuel 2007;Quandt and Holleck 1995;Rusu et al 2004). However, in the mean time when the parts' electrical and magnetic features are changed, their mechanical properties are modified as well due to the varying of stress distribution from these external coating layers.…”

A self-regulating hydrogen generator for micro fuel cells

“…Micro fuel cells, however, can potentially outperform the batteries only if their fuel to device volume ratio can be maximized and the power consumption of their auxiliary systems to regulate fuel delivery and power output is significantly reduced. While fabrication of small-scale membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is widely reported in literature [3][4][5][6][7][8], shrinking the size of the auxiliary systems (pump, valves, sensors, distribution components, and power and control electronics for these components) has remained a challenge. While this might be somewhat feasible in centimeter-scale fuel cells, fitting all the auxiliary components within a few cubic millimeters volume is quite a challenge.…”