A method and system for improving planarization and uniformity of dielectric layers for providing improved optical efficiency in CCD and CMOS image sensor devices. The anode reactant recycling system for a fuel cell is adapted to minimize a required number of components, eliminate the need for the anode heat exchanger, use a single valve for removal of condensate and reactant byproducts from the anode reactant recycling system, and provide an upstream volume for startup pressurization. Other embodiments are described and claimed.