It all happens in the core of the fuel cell, in the stack, where methanol is converted into electricity in a single electrochemical step.

A mixture of methanol and water is introduced on the anode side using SFC’s patented internal water-management system. The system permits the use of 100% pure methanol in fuel cartridges. Ambient air is pumped into the cathode side of the fuel cell. The anode and cathode sides form an electrical circuit. When the methanol comes into contact with the platinum catalyst, it yields electrons, which flow in the direction of the cathode. Protons likewise arise, passing through the membrane to the cathode. There, oxygen reacts with the protons and electrons to form – pure water.

During this chemical process, the fuel cell becomes lukewarm. The procedure yields water in the form of vapour, and carbon dioxide, both of which escape from the cell. The actual amount of water vapour and carbon dioxide emitted is comparable to a child’s breath.