NOVELTY - A fuel cell device has fuel cell membrane electrode assembly formed on a base portion and includes: (i) a conductive hydrophilic material to absorb reaction water; (ii) a fluid supply channel defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly; and (iii) an exhaust channel including a water recovery and recirculation channel in communication with the conductive material.    USE - Used as direct methanol fuel cell device.    ADVANTAGE - The fuel cells allows for higher voltages and current to be gained on a single planar surface. It is semi-self contained system and is not orientation sensitive, thus providing for ease in moving the system, such when providing power to a portable electronic device. The design provides for simplified system in which spent fuel is collected by the conductive hydrophilic material and circulated back to the mixing chamber, thus providing for less consumption and replenishment of a water supply.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A fuel cell device (10) includes:    (a) a base portion (14) formed of a singular body and having a major surface;    (b) a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (16) formed on the base portion and includes a conductive hydrophilic material (30) to absorb reaction water;    (c) a fluid supply channel (32) defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly;    (d) an exhaust channel (38); and electrical components.    The fluid supply channel includes a mixing chamber and a fuel-bearing fluid inlet. The exhaust channel includes a water recovery and recirculation channel (53) in communication with the conductive material. It is spaced apart from the fluid supply channel for exhausting gases from the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly. All components except for electrical components form a single fuel cell system (12).    An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for method for fabricating the above fuel cell device.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure is a sectional view of direct methanol fuel cell device.    Fuel cell device (10)    Fuel cell system (12)    Base portion (14)    Fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (16)    Electrode (18, 22)    Film (20)    Gas diffusion layer (23)    Current collector (28)    Conductive hydrophilic material (30)    Fluid supply channel (32)    Exhaust channel (38)    Water recovery and recirculation channel (53)