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Nanotechnology Innovations for Low-Temperature Fuel Cells for Micro Autonomous Systems

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Selected Topics in Micro/Nano-robotics for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

The requirement for longer and uninterrupted operation by micro autonomous systems calls for alternatives to the incumbent battery technology. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) presents a comparative advantage over battery technology due to their higher energy density and ability to operate continuously without the need for recharging. The cost of expensive catalyst materials utilized by the PEMFCs has so far impeded this technology. The dramatic success of the electronics industry in making cheaper and more efficient products has created new pathways for PEMFC advancement. This chapter discusses the integration of nano/microfabrication practices and techniques to fuel cell systems design. A new technique with the ability to produce high-aspect ratio features of sub-micrometer critical dimension and larger by leveraging the tools of electron beam lithography and advanced dry etching from the established techniques of nano/microtechnology is also discussed. This capability opens the possibility of creating a variety of novel architectures for fuel cells and other electrochemical devices (including sensors, electrolyzers, and electrochemical reactors, among others) and the promise of cost reduction through the model of microelectronics technology that leverages integration of components, rapid batch processing, automation, and economies of scale.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, USA

    Ayokunle Omosebi & Ronald S. Besser

Authors
  1. Ayokunle Omosebi
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  2. Ronald S. Besser
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Correspondence to Ronald S. Besser .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Electrical and, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, 07030, New Jersey, USA

    Yi Guo

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Omosebi, A., Besser, R.S. (2013). Nanotechnology Innovations for Low-Temperature Fuel Cells for Micro Autonomous Systems. In: Guo, Y. (eds) Selected Topics in Micro/Nano-robotics for Biomedical Applications. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8411-1_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8411-1_4

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-8410-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-8411-1

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