US fuel cell developer MTI Micro has entered into a partnership with mobile phone firm Samsung Electronics which could see fuel cells used to power commercial handsets for the first time.
The firm’s Mobion direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology has been chosen to power a series of prototypes designed for Samsung's mobile phone and mobile phone accessories. The two firms said they also intend to enter into a product commercialisation agreement.
The advantages of fuel cells over today’s battery cells are potentially longer runtimes and instant recharging.
According to Peng Lim, president and CEO of MTI Micro: “Our goal is to make Mobion a standard power source used for powering all types of mobile products, and under this agreement, our work with Samsung on mobile phones and accessory applications will be a major step in achieving that goal."
Last year another US-based fuel cell firm, PolyFuel claimed to have passed a milestone in the development of direct methanol cells with a device operating for more than 5,000 hours. This, the firm said, is beyond the minimum necessary to commercialise fuel cells, which must last for between 2,000 and 3,000 hours, equivalent to the life of a rechargeable battery.
According to market watcher, Frost & Sullivan the market for micro fuel cells for consumer electronic devices should reach approximately 80 million units by 2012.