Nov. 20, 2002 — BASF AG has developed metal-organic “nanocubes” that can store and release hydrogen to power fuel cells for laptop computers and other portable electronic devices, according to Chemical Week.

The nanocubes absorb hydrogen under moderate pressure and could be used in cartridges to precisely control the release of hydrogen to the fuel cell. The hydrogen-fed fuel cells could power portable devices for more than 10 hours, the company said in the report.

BASF said it has the technological capability to produce the 1-micrometer-square cubes in kilogram quantities, but it is seeking suitable material to make the cartridges.