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EmailFuel cells: Fuel cells produce power by mixing fuel with air and water between a thin, reactive film membrane in an electrochemical reaction. Advocates say they hold the promise of replacing gasoline with hydrogen in cars and of supplementing batteries in consumer electronics, potentially providing more power in less space and allowing users to instantly recharge by replacing fuel cartridges instead of plugging in.
Most fuel-cell technologies intended for cars use hydrogen as the fuel, while most micro fuel-cell technologies -- small fuel cells for portable electronics such as laptops and cell phones -- use methanol. But so far, fuel cells have remained stuck in testing and trials and haven't hit the mainstream.
A number of challenges have caused many companies to miss their promises and delay product launches. Among these are technical challenges such as heat and waste management, size and weight issues and low efficiency, and business challenges, such as a lack of standards, an absent supply chain and cartridge- or fuel-distribution systems and high costs.