Calif. company releases new membrane for fuel cells

A California company that has announced that it has released a new membrane for use in direct methanol fuel cells.

The new membrane was created by PolyFuel, of Mountain View, Calif. The new technology is to be used in small fuel cells, which are intended to enable portable computers, PDAs and cell phones to run longer and quieter.

"Limited battery runtimes today restrict the functionality that can be built into portable devices," said Jim Balcom, president and CEO of PolyFuel. "This problem will only get worse as wireless and other capabilities are added to these devices."

PolyFuel is privately held and funded with venture capital from Mayfield, Ventures West, Technology Partners, Intel Capital and Chrysalix Energy.