The full cell, which carries 25 cubic centimeters (0.85 ounces) of high concentration methanol, is able to run roughly six times longer than lithium batteries.

The prototype of the methanol fuel cell, weighing 130 grams (4.59 ounces), can produce one watt of electricity for roughly 20 hours, Toshiba said.

The use of fuel cells is environmentally sound as it does not produce any toxic emissions as a byproduct of power generation, said a Toshiba spokesman.

SPACE.WIRE