Self-feeding paper based biofuel cell/self-powered hybrid μ-supercapacitor integrated system
Claudia W Narvaez Villarrubia1, Francesca Soavi2, Carlo Santoro3
1MPA-11 Material Synthesis and Integrated Devices, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|July 18, 2016
Summary
This study introduces a novel paper-based supercapacitive enzymatic fuel cell (SC-EFC) that self-recharges. The SC-EFC achieves significantly higher power output using pulse operation compared to steady-state methods.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Enzymatic fuel cells (EFCs) offer sustainable energy conversion.
- Supercapacitors store energy via electrochemical double-layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance.
- Integrating EFCs with supercapacitor principles can enhance power delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a paper-based supercapacitive enzymatic fuel cell (SC-EFC).
- To demonstrate high power output from the SC-EFC using pulse operation.
- To investigate the self-recharging capabilities of the device.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a quasi-2D capillary-driven microfluidic system.
- Assembly of glucose dehydrogenase-based anode and bilirubin oxidase-based cathode.
- Utilizing capillary flow for continuous reactant and electrolyte supply.
- Employing a gas-diffusional cathode for passive oxygen supply.
Main Results:
- The SC-EFC demonstrated self-recharging capabilities under rest conditions.
- High current pulses up to 4mAcm⁻² were applied.
- A maximum power density of 0.87mWcm⁻² (10.6mW) was achieved for 0.01s pulses.
- Pulse operation resulted in at least a tenfold increase in current/power generation compared to steady-state operation.
Conclusions:
- Paper-based SC-EFCs are viable for high-power pulse applications.
- The device design enables efficient energy storage and rapid discharge.
- This technology offers a promising approach for portable and self-powered devices.
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