Toshiba has launched a methanol fuel cell device that can provide power for mobile handsets.

The palm-sized Dynario direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) starts shipping on 29 October in Japan, and can be used to recharge mobile devices through a standard USB connection.

Dynario generates power through the catalysed oxidation of methanol, a chemical reaction that generates water, carbon dioxide and usable power – enough to charge two typical mobile phones, according to Toshiba.

The methanol fuel comes from a dedicated cartridge that is injected into the Dynario. Twenty seconds after being injected, the device can be used to recharge mobile devices. Toshiba also pointed out that charging performance is optimised by Dynario's hybrid structure, "which uses a lithium-ion battery charged by the fuel cell to store electricity".

Meanwhile, the ITU approved the standard for a universal phone charger earlier this week that uses a standard micro-USB connection.