Casio develops methanol-based micro liquid fuel cell

Speaking of liquid fuel, we've just caught wind of another liquid fuel cell that may be available a little sooner than LG's ebook concept laptop. Casio has apparently developed a new prototype fuel cell that could make our long-standing desire to live a totally wireless life possible. According to DigitalCameraInfo, Casio's new technology draws in methanol "to produce an electrolyzed liquid that is emitted as hydrogen gas." Then, apparently after some chemical hocus-pocus, the power source can remain autonomous and continuous. The Cas says that it's made this system work in a digital camera and also said that it will be shipping the micro fuel cell technology beginning next year, which we assume means they've worked out the volatility issues we mentioned before. Assuming all goes as planned, our next question is: where's our nearest supplier of methanol?

[Via DigitalCameraInfo.com]

[Ryan K @ Dec 3rd 2006 7:56PM]

By the whole electrolyzed liquid thing, they mean that the compound is put through a pump or other apparatus in such a way that causes it to ionize and create electricity. I believe the hydrogen gas that is created would then replicate that electrical current, causing it to "loop" and give the continuous source of energy described by digitalcamerainfo.com

[pvilleSE @ Dec 3rd 2006 8:34PM]

You should be able to pick up Methanol in the auto department at your local Wallyworld packaged as fuel antifreeze(one type is ethanol and the other is methanol). But some research seems to show that you will just have a little replaceable methanol cartridge for the device.

[Andrew @ Dec 3rd 2006 8:34PM]

Hah! May just be a coincidence but when I first checked this post I got a "Absolut Vodka" ad right below the last mention of methanol (not quite ethanol but close). Nice product placement!

[gjunky @ Dec 5th 2006 8:47AM]

Lets hope they make the container < 3oz (or 100ml) so you can take it on the plane... :)