Textile-Based Membraneless Microfluidic Double-Inlet Hybrid Microbial-Enzymatic Biofuel Cell

Area of Science:

• Bioelectronics
• Renewable Energy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Microbial enzymatic fuel cells (MEFCs) offer a sustainable energy source but face challenges with power density and stability.
• Textile-based platforms are attractive for wearable electronics due to their flexibility and biocompatibility.
• Addressing cathode overpotential loss is crucial for enhancing MEFC performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a textile-based, colaminar flow hybrid microbial-enzymatic biofuel cell (HEMFC).
• To utilize *Shewanella* MR-1 as an anode biocatalyst and a glucose oxidase/horseradish peroxidase system for the cathode.
• To optimize HEFMC performance through investigation of electrode materials, catalyst parameters, and fuel concentration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microchannels using silk screen printing with Ecoflex on flexible textile substrates.
• Screen printing of electrodes using conductive polymers (PEDOT:PSS) and carbon nanotube mixtures.
• Implementation of a Y-shaped, double-inlet channel design for colaminar flow.
• Systematic investigation of anode/cathode materials, catalyst loading, and substrate concentration.

Main Results:

• Achieved a peak power density of 44.9 μW cm^-2 and a maximum current density of 388.9 μA cm^-2.
• Demonstrated superior performance compared to previously reported textile- or paper-based microscale microbial fuel cells.
• Successfully integrated microbial and enzymatic catalysts onto a flexible, biocompatible textile platform.

Conclusions:

• The developed textile-based HEFMC represents a promising advancement in wearable microscale power sources.
• The hybrid approach effectively addresses cathode overpotential losses, enhancing overall efficiency.
• This technology offers a sustainable, body-friendly energy solution with potential for various biomedical applications.