Origami-Based Flexible and Simple Tubular Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Stack

Abstract

Flexible energy devices are essential for future small and flexible devices, and there are many challenges to create deformable energy devices. In this study, we developed a lightweight and flexible passive air-breathing polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack with a flexible 3D structure using a straw-like tubular design. This stack is lighter than a conventional PEMFC stack because it contains a smaller number of components. By applying a conical design, the device was easily assembled with the units connected in series using banded-type connections (i.e., without clamps or fixing parts). Moreover, for the first time, a conical reverse truss origami design was applied to the tubular PEMFC, which enabled 3D movement and reduced the volume of the PEMFC. The flexible tubular PEMFC is expected to be an energy source for small devices and can be used to replace wires or external fuel pipelines in devices that require mechanical movement.