Toward Wearable Energy Storage Devices: Paper-Based Biofuel Cells based on a Screen-Printing Array Structure

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Paper-based devices offer a low-cost, flexible platform for energy applications.
• Biofuel cells provide a sustainable energy source by utilizing biological reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a novel paper-based biofuel cell with a series/parallel array structure.
• To demonstrate adjustable cell voltage and output power through printing.
• To achieve high output power for flexible and wearable energy storage.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a paper-based biofuel cell utilizing a series/parallel array design.
• Printing techniques to control cell configuration and performance.
• Characterization of the electrical output (voltage and power).

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated a paper-based biofuel cell with a series/parallel array structure.
• Demonstrated the ability to adjust cell voltage and output power via printing.
• Achieved a record high output power of 0.97±0.02 mW at 1.4 V for a 4-series/4-parallel configuration.
• The device exhibits potential for flexible and wearable energy storage applications.

Conclusions:

• The novel printing-based fabrication method enables tunable performance in paper-based biofuel cells.
• The achieved output power represents a significant advancement for paper-based energy devices.
• This technology contributes to the development of next-generation flexible, wearable energy storage solutions.