Johnson Matthey has signed an agreement with one of the world's leading fuel cell membrane developers.

FuelCell will provide the company with the PolyFuel hydrocarbon direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) membrane intended for fuel cells to power portable devices, such as camcorders and laptop computers.

The membranes are used in the production of catalyst coated membranes (CCM) and membrane electrode assemblies (MEA). These are the parts of a fuel cell involved in converting fuel into electricity.

"Designers of methanol fuelled portable fuel cells feel that PolyFuel's membranes have advantages for their devices and now we can offer CCMs and MEAs that combine PolyFuel's hydrocarbon membranes with Johnson Matthey's strengths in catalysts and MEA design," said Jonathan Frost, director of Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells.

"A high-volume, portable fuel cell market will be an important driver in the development and widespread use of fuel cells in all applications."

Jim Balcom, president and chief executive of PolyFuel, outlined the significance of the deal.

"First, it serves notice to portable device manufacturers and fuel cell manufacturers that high-performance DMFC CCMs and MEAs will soon be available commercially, and from a top industry supplier as well.

"Second, it signals a close collaboration between PolyFuel and Johnson Matthey that should result in impressive new developments in membrane, catalyst and MEA technology," he added.

Johnson Matthey will use the membranes to develop a range of CCMs and MEAs for use in portable fuel cells.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd