Fuel cell chips were enlightened

Researchers at Harvard University demonstrated microchips containing 145 solid oxide fuel cells or fuel cell chips (Fuel cells on-a-chip) to replace small batteries.

Harvard researchers can "pack" 145 thin-film fuel cell cells on a single IC.

Earlier, the team, led by professor and graduate student Shriram Ramanathan, demonstrated the concept of thin film of solid oxide fuel cells, but only in very small sizes to replace So small batteries.

To date, when the team collaborated with SiEnergy Systems LLC (Allied Minds Company in Boston), they proved that the technology could succeed when it was enlarged.

The team made films 100 nanometers thick on enlarged chips ranging in size from 100 microns to 5 millimeters, reaching an energy density of about 155 meters per square centimeter (at 510 degrees C).

Next, the team also plans to build nanostructured anodes to make hydrogen replacement fuel and microstructured electrodes to create fuel cells. Very small size to replace small batteries.

The project's funding unit is the NSF (National Science Foundation) and the Nanoscale Systems Center of Harvard University - a member of NSF's National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network.