Toshiba has created a new platinum-based 'microreactor' that can help power a fuel cell at a fraction of the normal size.

The firm's microreactor takes hydrogen from dimethyl ether (DME) and carbon-based fuel, mimicking a fuel cell function at around a fifth of the size.

Reports on Fuel Cell Works, citing Japanese media outlet Nikkei, suggest that the miniature device could generate sufficient energy to power a small laptop.

The microreactor which powers the cell is composed of a metal substrate lined with channels 150 microns wide and 4mm deep, which are coated with platinum.

This facilitates a catalytic reaction, generating hydrogen when DME and water run through the nanoscale trenches as the microreactor is heated.

With the microreactor so tiny it will enable developers to create fuel cells to house the device capable of fitting into much smaller applications than previously, including consumer electronics appliances.

Toshiba will showcase its findings at the next meeting of the Society of Chemical Engineers in Japan.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd