The Japanese optical instruments maker aims to develop compact, high-output hydrogen fuel cells to allow portable digital equipment to work for longer than at present.

By 2008, QinetiQ will create a prototype compact hydrogen generator capable of producing hydrogen from ammonia borane, a solid fuel with 20 pct hydrogen content.

A hydrogen fuel cell backed by ammonia borane would be compact and capable of a power output of up to 10 watts.

Next-generation mobile phones need to overcome the potential problem of large power fluctuations caused by massive data downloads. The new fuel cells are expected to allow longer and more stable operation.

Ammonia borane, commonly used as chemical reducing agent, is nontoxic and recyclable.