Here a simple idea that may save your hide but may conflict with your long-term desire to save the planet. The Rohm portable charger allows you to charge your phone on the go using one of the two devices they have developed: a phone case made for the iPhone or a standalone USB charger that connects to other handheld devices. The only downside is that it can only be used once.
The fact that the neat charger will end up in the landfill should not be the focus of the conversation. Rohm generates this electricity using a non-toxic hydrogen fuel cell that allows for such small devices. The stylish iPhone case elongates the phone but adds little bulk while the standalone unit is about the size of your cell phone itself.
The device generates electricity by exploiting the hydrogen that results from a reaction with thin sheet of resin-solidified calcium compound. The hydrogen then combines with the polymer electrolyte material to generate 5Wh of electricity.
Although the plastic isn’t going anywhere, Rohm says the device is entirely non-toxic so no worries about throwing it away. They expect customers will buy them as a backup or for emergencies claiming it will last for 20 years, as long as that calcium compound sheet remains sealed. Rohm has also built a 200W version of the charger intended for bigger applications like laptops or other peripherals that lasts for up to 4 hours.
No mention of price just yet as the device will hit the shelves in 2013, but it should reflect its disposable downside. Similar reusable devices are much bigger and very pricey. It's a shame that we have to make decisions with our wallets in mind instead of the planet but hopefully Rohm develops some sort of reusable form soon.
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