(Invited) Micro Fuel Cells: Can We Apply Them to a Successful Market?

Abstract

Micro and small size fuel cells have been struggling to find a place in the portable electronics market for decades. Despite their promising capabilities, they have failed to oust lithium-ion batteries as the preferred power source in consumer products. Batteries have successfully evolved into tiny packages that are very easy to use, rechargeable and that can meet the power demands of current portable devices. In contrast, fuel cells still need to overcome cost and system complexity challenges that hinder their widespread adoption. This paper reviews the current attempts in the portable fuel cell area and identifies new trends and opportunities for fuel cells to succeed.