In the newly released report entitled “Global Market Potential for Metal-Air Fuel Cells” by the Business Communications Company (BBC), the global cellular telephone market should increase to 1.4 or possibly 1.6 billion units by 2006. Between 1.8 and 2.16 billion batteries will be utilized. However, BCC projects that metal-air fuel cells should Adobe Photoshop Image

take 6% of the projected $108 billion battery market. By 2006, the camcorder worldwide market should increase to 151million units, valued at $2.58 billion. Metal-air fuel cells should capture 12% of this market. During the same time frame, laptop computers are forecast to reach 240 million units with 4% being powered by Adobe Photoshop Image

metal-air fuel cells. One company that should benefit from the aluminum-air fuel cell technology is the Trimol Group, Inc. which holds world-wide rights to this

technology developed by Aluminum-Power, Inc. of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. +(12-01 BD69-11)

eVionyx commercializes three electrochemical components. These three components form the basis for eVionyx’s metal-air fuel cells. The O-CATTM is a high performing air cathode that can be used in both batteries and fuel cells. MembrionTM is a polymer based membrane material with very high ionic conductivity that can used for batteries and fuel cells. MetfuelTM is a high performance zinc based electrode for use in zinc- based fuel cell systems.

eVionyx has also announced the availability of the EPM 100TM, the first product in the Energy Power Module family of small Zinc-air power devices. The EPM 100 is a disposable, 6 Volt, 50-Watt, high power Zinc-air energy source with an ultra-long shelf life. (12-01 BD69-11)

Two major classifications can be made for fuel cells based on what is oxidized at the anode. Popular fuel cells such as PEM or SOFC utilize the removal of the electron from a hydrogen atom, producing external electricity and mobilizing the hydrogen ion through the electrolyte. Metal fuel cells oxidize a metal atom such as aluminum or zinc which produces the external circuit electron, while transporting the metal ion through a liquid electrolyte such as potassium hydroxide.

Benefits of the metal fuel cells include greater energy density of practical quantities of fuel and useage of inexpensive fuels such as aluminum and zinc, and benign chemistries. While problems exist, units are up and operating. Major players include: Aluminum Power Inc., eVonyx Inc., H Power Corp., and Metallic Power, Inc.