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A facile technique to develop conductive paper based bioelectrodes for microbial fuel cell applications.
Jayapiriya U S1, Shuhei Inoue2, Sanket Goel1
1MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics Lab, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, 500078, India.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|July 3, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a novel, paper-based microbial biofuel cell (MiBFC) using a simple vacuum filtration method. This compact device offers a sustainable energy solution for instant diagnostics and data transfer.
Area of Science:
- Sustainable energy technology
- Biosensors and bioremediation
- Microbial biofuel cells (MiBFCs)
Background:
- Microbial biofuel cells (MiBFCs) offer sustainable energy harvesting, biosensing, and bioremediation capabilities.
- Limitations include low energy yield, high fabrication costs, and bulky device size.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cost-effective, compact, and high-performance paper-based MiBFC.
- To introduce a novel vacuum filtration technique for fabricating thin, conductive electrodes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a simple vacuum filtration method for fabricating homogeneous carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes.
- Integrated the paper-based MiBFC into a compact micro-device using 3D printed components.
Main Results:
- Achieved a stable open circuit voltage of 410 mV for over 1 hour.
- Delivered a maximum power density of 192 μW/cm², considered high for paper-based MiBFCs with micro-volume substrates.
Conclusions:
- The developed paper-based MiBFC demonstrates a promising approach for creating freestanding power sources.
- This technology facilitates instant diagnostics and data transfer, addressing limitations of current MiBFCs.
