Samsung has joined with specialist firm MTI MicroFuel
Cells to develop mobile phones and devices powered by fuel cell
technology – an alternative to traditional rechargeable
batteries.
Fuel cells produce electricity from hydrogen-rich fuels, such as
gasoline, natural gas, propane or methanol, and oxygen. They have
an energy density several times that of a typical lithium-ion
battery.
Fuel cells can also continuously replenish their fuel and oxygen
supplies from external sources, unlike batteries, which are
restricted to a limited internal energy storage capacity.
MTI Micro will help develop fuel cell prototypes for Samsung´s
mobile phones, using its Mobion direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC)
technology.
The fuel cells are expected to give mobile devices longer
running times and allow instant recharging. The two companies
believe the new technology will enable new features to be developed
for future mobile phones, unconstrained by traditional battery
power sources.
Samsung Electronics vice-president YoungWoo Lee said: “By
allying with MTI Micro, Samsung is empowered to go beyond the
established boundaries of what is currently possible with mobile
phone design and functionality.”
Fuel cells are also expected to power the next generation of
laptop computers. Manufacturer Toshiba demonstrated its own DMFC
technology at January’s US Consumer Electronics Show. Its tests
showed fuel cells could power a notebook computer for five
hours.