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A shriveled rectangular carbon tube with the concave surface for high-performance enzymatic glucose/O2 biofuel cells
Zepeng Kang1, Yi-Heng P Job Zhang1, Zhiguang Zhu1
1Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 West 7th Avenue, Tianjin Airport Economic Area, Tianjin 300308, China.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|March 12, 2019
Summary
A novel carbon tube derived from polypyrrole shows promise for high-performance enzymatic biofuel cells. This material enables stable power generation and continuous operation, demonstrating its potential for practical applications.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Enzymatic biofuel cells (EFCs) offer a sustainable energy source.
- Developing efficient and stable electrode materials is crucial for EFC performance.
- Carbonized conducting polymers present a potential avenue for advanced electrode design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel carbon tube material from rectangular polypyrrole (RPPy).
- To evaluate the performance of RPPy-based electrodes for enzymatic biofuel cell applications.
- To demonstrate the practical viability of EFCs constructed with the novel carbon material.
Main Methods:
- High-temperature carbonization of RPPy tubes.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for material characterization.
- Fabrication and electrochemical testing of enzymatic biofuel cells using glucose oxidase (GOx) and laccase (Lac).
Main Results:
- Carbonized RPPy exhibited a shriveled rectangular tube morphology with a concave surface, suitable for enzyme immobilization.
- GOx- and Lac-modified electrodes showed excellent bioelectrochemical performance.
- An EFC (GOx, glucose/O2, Lac) achieved an open-circuit voltage of 1.16 V and a maximum power density of 0.350 mW/cm².
- The EFC demonstrated continuous discharge for 49.9 hours at 0.2 mA and powered an LED for over 48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Carbonized RPPy is a promising electrode material for high-performance enzymatic biofuel cells.
- The unique morphology of carbonized RPPy enhances enzyme immobilization and electrochemical activity.
- This material offers potential for developing stable and practical biofuel cell devices.
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