New Hydrogen Cartridges Can Power Small Devices and Lights

A University of Michigan scientist has developed a small hydrogen fuel cell that can recharge laptops, cell phones, and GPS units in the field and also supply limited electricity to power electric lights in homes in the developing world. The researcher, James Dye, worked with SiGNa Chemistry to produce alkali metal silicides, derived, essentially, from salt and sand. Dye said that by adding water to these silicides, his research team produced a low-pressure hydrogen gas that was converted to electricity by a low-cost fuel cell, emitting only water vapor. Working with SiGna and its partners, Dye also has created a fuel cell capable of powering a bicycle up to 25 miles per hour for 100 miles.