 |
|
Who's Online
|
There are currently 225 people and 0 DV-member(s) online.
|
|
|
|
|
RSS
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
Scientists present smallest fuel cell
| |
Posted on Tuesday, January 27 2009 @ 09:00:38 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck |
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created world's smallest working fuel cell. The device measures just 3mm x 3mm x 1mm and has four components: a water reservoir, a thin membrane, a chamber with metal hydride and an assembly of electrodes.
Because the device is so small - just 3 mm by 3 mm by 1 mm - surface tension, not gravity, controls the flow of water through the system. This means that the cell operates even if moved and rotated - perfect for life inside a pocket gadget.
The first designs generated 0.7 volts and a current of 0.1 milliamps for 30 hours before the fuel ran out, but Moghaddam says the latest designs give currents of around 1 milliamp at a similar voltage. That's not yet enough to drive cellphones, which use batteries typically rated at a few volts, but it's enough for simpler electronic systems or microrobots, he says. More info at NewScientist.
|
| |
|
|
| | The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. |
|
|
|
|
