TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Method: The exothermic reaction involves the reaction of the first material with water to evolve hydrogen gas. The ratio of the first material to the second material is chosen to maintain the hydrogen generator within an ergonomically acceptable temperature range. The first material undergoes an exothermic reaction to generate hydrogen that is characterized by a maximum enthalpy of reaction of H1. The second material undergoes an endothermic reaction to evolve water that is characterized by a maximum enthalpy of reaction of H2. The ratio in m1H1/m2H2 is less than 2, where m1 and m2 are the amounts of the materials. The thicknesses of the layers of the materials are chosen to maintain the maximum operating temperature of the fuel cell below a limit. The coating is removed from the hydrogen-generating material surface through exposure to a solvent. Preferred Component: The first material is in the form of discrete particles encapsulated in a delayed release material. The delayed release composition is adapted to delay the onset of the reaction between the hydrogen generating material and water.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The alkaline material is lithium oxide, sodium oxide, potassium oxide, rubidium oxide, or cesium oxide. The particles are coated with an alkaline material from metal hydroxides.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The first material comprises pyranthrenedione, indanthrene Gold Orange, ditridecyl-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide, indanthrene black, dimethoxy violanthrone, quinacridone, 1,4-di-keto-pyrrolo (3,4 C) pyrrole, indanthrene yellow, netetracarboxylic dianhydride, isoviolanthrone, perylenetetracarboxylic diimide, or perylene diimide. The second material does not comprise a hydrated borate or a hydrated metaborate. The first material is in the form of discrete particles having an alkaline material disposed over the surfaces. The alkaline material is metal hydroxides. It is NR-a4OH, NR-axR-b(4-x)OH, or NR-aR-bR-cR-d. The solvent is ethanol, methanol, acetone, chloroform, ethyl lactate, methyl salicylate, toluene, or methylene chloride.R-a-R-d=H, alkyl, or aryl groups.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The second material is a polymeric material from polycarboxylic acids or polyacrylamides. The polymeric material has hydration states. The delayed release composition comprises ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol based polymers, or methacrylate-based polymers. The second material is a delayed release composition comprising ethyl cellulose.