초록 ▼

An electrochemical cell is described that includes (a) a first electrode; (b) a second electrode; and (c) a channel contiguous with at least a portion of the first and the second electrodes. When a first liquid is contacted with the first electrode, a second liquid is contacted with the second elect

An electrochemical cell is described that includes (a) a first electrode; (b) a second electrode; and (c) a channel contiguous with at least a portion of the first and the second electrodes. When a first liquid is contacted with the first electrode, a second liquid is contacted with the second electrode, and the first and the second liquids flow through the channel, a parallel laminar flow is established between the first and the second liquids. Electronic devices containing such electrochemical cells and methods for their use are also described.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. An electrochemical cell comprising: a first electrode a second electrode; a channel contiguous with at least a portion of the first and the second electrodes; a first liquid in contact with the first electrode, and a second liquid in contact with the second electrode, w

The invention claimed is: 1. An electrochemical cell comprising: a first electrode a second electrode; a channel contiguous with at least a portion of the first and the second electrodes; a first liquid in contact with the first electrode, and a second liquid in contact with the second electrode, wherein the first and the second liquids flow through the channel, laminar flow is established in the first and the second liquids, and a current density of at least 0.1 mA/cm2 is produced. 2. The electrochemical cell of claim 1 wherein the first liquid comprises methanol. 3. The electrochemical cell of claim 1 wherein a proton gradient is established along at least a portion of an interface between the first liquid and the second liquid. 4. The electrochemical cell of claim 1 further comprising a support having a surface with first and second recessed portions, wherein the first and the second electrodes occupy the first and second recessed portions, respectively, such that surface of the first electrode and surface of the second electrode are planar with the surface of the support. 5. The electrochemical cell of claim 1 wherein the first liquid and the second liquid are miscible. 6. The electrochemical cell of claim 1 further comprising a fuel sensor in contact with the first liquid, wherein the first liquid comprises a fuel. 7. The electrochemical cell of claim 1 wherein the cell constitutes a fuel cell. 8. The electrochemical cell of claim 7 wherein the fuel cell comprises a direct methanol fuel cell. 9. A portable electronic device comprising the electrochemical cell of claim 1. 10. The electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein a current density of at least 1 mA/cm2 is produced. 11. The electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein a current density of at least 2 mA/cm2 is produced. 12. The electrochemical cell of claim 1 wherein the first liquid comprises an electrolyte and a fuel, and the second liquid comprises an electrolyte and an oxidant.