CalTech’s patented technology for building gadget chargers that are based on methanol has been licensed to Direct Methanol Fuel Cell. Viaspace, Direct Methanol Fuel Cell’s holding company opined that the licensing agreement would enable Direct Methanol Fuel Cell to develop and introduce methanol-based compact portable recharging cells.

This licensing agreement follows the launch of a portable recharging cell by Toshiba.
Toshiba’s methanol based portable cell has a lithium ion embedded in it, which can store adequate charge for two cellular phones. This fuel cell is based on a chemical reaction that occurs between oxygen and methanol. This process eventually transforms liquid methanol into electrical charge. At present, Toshiba’s portable recharging equipment is only available in Japan. This transportable fuel cell costs nearly $325 at present. Toshiba has not disclosed whether it plans to introduce such methanol-based fuel cells in other countries as well.

Many electronics businesses such as laptop manufacturers, and cellular phones manufacturers are eyeing this fuel cell technology, as it would meet a crucial requirement for their products. As of now, most of these electronic gadgets have limited power storage capacity, and therefore, these gadgets cannot be used continuously on long distance travels. An access to such portable recharge cell would have dramatic effects on their market share.