The cell operates by exploiting the way liquids do not mix in extremely narrow channels, a phenomenon known as “laminar flow”. Currently, fuel cells are composed of a chamber housing liquid fuel and one with an oxygen-water mixture with a thin polymer membrane containing tiny pores separating the two.

The energy created by the mixture of protons and electrons from the fuel with oxygen is then converted into electricity.

Removing the need for a membrane simplifies the construction of cells and allows alkaline cells to be built, offering up to 40% more efficiency than standard acidic cells.

Scientist Paul Kenis who developed the design found that by shrinking the two chambers to .25 millimetres and ensuring constant movement of the liquids he could prevent the fluids mixing but still allow protons and hydroxide ions to travel from one side to the other.

Kenis patented his concept and has presented a demonstration of his membrane-less alkaline cell to the American Physical Society. The cell is a 3cm by 1mm by 1mm cuboid and produces .25 watts of power but as yet does not display the efficiency that would be expected of an alkaline battery due to the difficulties of dissolving oxygen in water. Kenis has stated he has a solution to the problem but will not announce it until he has patented it.