Kraton based polymeric nanocomposite bioanode for the application in a biofuel cell

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Biofuel cells offer a sustainable energy source.
• Efficient bioanode development is crucial for biofuel cell performance.
• Nanocomposite materials can enhance electrode properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel nanocomposite bioanode for biofuel cell applications.
• To utilize Kraton/MWCNTs as a current enhancer and ferritin as a mediator.
• To achieve efficient enzymatic oxidation of glucose for energy conversion.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of a Kraton/MWCNTs nanocomposite.
• Immobilization of ferritin (Frt) and glucose oxidase (GOx) on the nanocomposite.
• Electrochemical characterization of the fabricated bioanode.

Main Results:

• The Kraton/MWCNTs/Frt/GOx bioanode showed good catalytic activity for glucose oxidation.
• The bioanode exhibited excellent stability.
• A maximum current density of 1.14 mA cm⁻² was achieved at 60 mM glucose concentration.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanocomposite bioanode is effective for biofuel cell applications.
• This enzymatic strategy can be extended to other biofuel cells involving glucose oxidation.
• The study highlights the potential of nanocomposites in energy conversion devices.