MEMS-based thin-film fuel cells

A fuel cell, operating in a temperature range of 50°-500° C., comprising:

• a fuel cell stack including at least a pair of electrodes, and an electrolyte having a thickness of about 1-2 μm separating said electrodes, said electrolyte composed of material selected from the group consisting of solid polymer, and proton exchange membrane materials;
• at least one substrate having a manifold formed therein, said at least one substrate for supplying fuel and an oxidant to opposite sides of said fuel cell stack, said manifold directing fuel to one side of said fuel cell stack;
• a second substrate bonded to said at least one substrate, said second substrate having at least a fuel inlet extending therein to and in open communication with said manifold in said at least one substrate;
• a cutaway section in said second substrate in a surface located adjacent said at least one substrate and which is in open communication with said manifold and with said fuel inlet, said cutaway section having a surface substantially parallel to at least one surface of said at least one substrate or said second substrate;
• and
• a resistive heater located in said fuel cell stack, and adjacent said electrolyte for heating said fuel cell stack.