278d Microfluidic Fuel Cells

Paul J. A. Kenis, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801

A wide variety of microfuel cell technologies are being studied as possible power sources for portable/small applications. This presntation will highlight our efforts in the development of microfluidic fuel cells, for example, those that are based on laminar flow. In addition, microfluidic electrochemical cells are excellent analytical tools, specifically for the optimization of anodes and cathodes for direct liquid fuel cells (methanol, formic acid) as well as PEM fuel cells (hydrogen). This presentation will cover our latest efforts on microfluidic fuel cells as well as microfluidic diagnostic tools.