Benefits and Test Results of a Ceramic Separator Component for Micro Fuel Cells

The power demands from portable electronics such as laptop computers, video camera recorders, and personal entertainment push the limits of today’s standard battery solutions of Ni-MH and Li-ion based power sources. Recycling of these hazardous materials is also paramount for environmental preservation yet, consumers neglect the impact that these power sources have on our ecosystems. Recycling of these batteries is now becoming common; however, many of these batteries will ultimately reside in landfills upon the exhausting of their usefulness. These demands of environmental preservation and the need for longer life for portable electronics are now driving research for suitable alternatives. The fuel cell is one idea that has the greatest potential to satisfy these growing needs.