A biofuel cell with a single-walled carbon nanohorn-based bioanode operating at physiological condition

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Nanomaterials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) are emerging carbon nanomaterials with desirable properties like high purity and low toxicity.
• Their excellent catalytic properties make them promising for bioelectrochemical systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel biofuel cell anode using SWNHs as a support for redox mediators and biocatalysts.
• To evaluate the performance of the SWNH-based anode in a glucose/O2 biofuel cell.

Main Methods:

• SWNHs were utilized to support the electropolymerization of methylene blue (MB), forming a poly MB-SWNHs nanocomposite.
• Glucose dehydrogenase was immobilized onto the modified electrode for glucose oxidation.
• A cathode catalyst comprising Pt nanoparticles on functionalized TiO(2) colloidal spheres was employed.

Main Results:

• SWNHs facilitated the electropolymerization of MB, enhancing the catalytic activity of the resulting poly MB-SWNHs.
• The nanocomposite showed significant catalytic ability for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidation.
• The assembled glucose/O2 biofuel cell operated effectively under physiological conditions.

Conclusions:

• SWNHs are effective supports for redox mediators and biocatalysts in biofuel cell anodes.
• The developed SWNH-based anode offers good performance for bioelectrochemical applications.
• This work presents a promising approach for developing efficient biofuel cells.