The new film is a direct methanol fuel cell type in which methanol reacts in an electrode. In order to boost the output of such fuel cells, it was necessary to restrain the volume of methanol passing through the electrolyte film, while at the same time increasing the transmittance of hydrogen ions.

At 30 microns thick, the new film is just 60 per cent the thickness of earlier films. Methanol transmittance has been suppressed by half, while resistance to hydrogen ions has been reduced by around 40 per cent. By selectively passing hydrogen ions alone and curtailing methanol transmittance, the company succeeded in raising output.

Kuraray used a thermoplastic resin made of hydrocarbon materials in the electrolyte film. It has twice the output of fluorine-based films, which are the most common type of electrolyte film.

The company expects the new product to be utilized in fuel cells for devices such as mobile phones, which are consuming more power as additional functions are added.