Switchable aerobic/anaerobic multi-substrate biofuel cell operating on anodic and cathodic enzymatic cascade...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Electrochemistry
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Enzymatic fuel cells (EFCs) offer potential for portable electronics but are limited by fuel and oxidizer options.
• Expanding fuel versatility and operational conditions is key to EFC accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated, multi-substrate biofuel cell with adaptable fuel and oxidizer capabilities.
• To demonstrate a novel dual enzymatic cascade architecture for both anode and cathode.

Main Methods:

• Designed a multi-substrate anode with invertase, mutarotase, glucose oxidase, and fructose dehydrogenase on a carbon nanoparticle matrix.
• Developed a cathode using catalase and bilirubin oxidase for aerobic and anaerobic operation.
• Integrated anodic and cathodic cascades for versatile fuel and oxidizer utilization.

Main Results:

• The biofuel cell utilizes glucose, fructose, sucrose, or mixtures as fuels.
• Operates with dissolved oxygen and/or hydrogen peroxide as oxidizers.
• Achieved a peak power density of 0.25 mW cm^-2 and an open circuit potential of 0.65 V.
• Demonstrated stable performance when switching between aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Conclusions:

• This work reports the first biofuel cell with both anodic and cathodic enzymatic cascade architectures.
• The developed biofuel cell shows remarkable adaptability to different operating conditions and fuel sources.
• This technology advances EFCs for powering portable electronic devices.