Complexity Digest 2002.21 - 15
27-May-2002
Shrinking Fuel Cells Promise Power in Your Pocket, Science
Summary: The future of consumer electronics hinges on
finding compact, long-lasting sources of power. As devices become ever smaller
and more ravenous for electricity, they have already outstripped technology's
ability to keep pace. The first story in this special Focus package explores
micro fuel cells, small devices thatconvert chemical fuels such as hydrogen or
methanol directly into electrical power. Micro fuel cells stack up well
against batteries on paper, but they still face engineering, financial, and
even political hurdles. The second story discusses how makers of conventional
batteries might adapt their products to compete in the power struggle.