Background:

Advances in nano/microfabrication technology have led to the deployment of smaller, faster, and more efficient portable, wireless, and autonomous devices. These systems have significantly improved multitasking and computing capabilities with increasing energy requirements. Currently batteries serve this need, but the issues of recharging, degradation, safety, disposal, and higher power demand have prompted the development of alternative power sources, like polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs), as replacements. PEMFCs have matured and find application as power sources for stationary and mobile systems.

The IMFC is a departure in that the membrane is a ridge formed in the membrane and proton current flows in the plane of the membrane, permitting the overall device to take on a two-dimensional, sheet-like form factor. In conventional PEM fuel cells, current flows through the plane of the membrane. Conventional cells also possess current collecting electrodes and reactant distributors that contribute significantly to the mass and bulkiness of the devices and consequently reduce power density. Fabrication of such devices is complicated by the need to separately form the many components (electrodes, flow fields, frame, etc.) from rigid materials such as metals and graphite. By contrast, the IMFC is low in parts count and consists primarily of lightweight polymeric materials.

Summary:

The In-Membrane Fuel Cell offers an alternative architecture to conventional PEM fuel cells with less bulkiness and a two-dimensional structure. It is lighter in weight, resulting in higher specific energy and power densities over conventional PEM fuel cells. The IMFC can be integrated with a variety of systems that require electrical power. For example the fuel cell can be paired with a biosensor fabricated in the very same fuel cell membrane. Many systems integrating a microsensor or other electronic device with a compact and high energy density power source are thus made possible.

Benefits:

- High density power source compared to traditional batteries.

- Long-life compact power sources for analog, digital and IoT systems.

- Two-dimensional form factor is less bulky than conventional fuel cells.

- Can be integrated with sensors and other devices that also utilize cation exchange membrane materials.

Applications:

- Replacement of batteries in mobile, compact or isolated systems.

- Highly compact systems integrating microsensors and a long-life power source.

Full Patent: In-membrane micro fuel cell