Toshiba Corp. (Japan) has developed a MEMS-based device for fuel cells that can pump fuel and air into a passive fuel cell stack for a portable phone recharger. The prototype uses microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to shrink the mechanical parts of fuel cells.
The company eventually expects to use MEMS pumps in hybrid passive/active fuel cells for cell phones and PDAs. No other companies have applied MEMS to fuel cells, although some universities have done work in this area. Nevertheless, the company beleives that the MEMS-powered devices could be available soon.
