Substantial power density from a discrete nano-scalable biofuel cell

• Published in: Electrochemistry communications 2014-02, Vol.39, p.37-40
• Main Authors: Kanwal, Alokik, Wang, Shiunchin C., Ying, Ye, Cohen, Ross, Lakshmanan, Shanmugamurthy, Patlolla, Anitha, Iqbal, Zafar, Thomas, Gordon A., Farrow, Reginald C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biofuel cell; Carbon nanotubes; Direct electron transfer; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells
• ISSN: 1388-2481; 1873-1902
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2013.12.010

A direct electron transfer biofuel cell consisting of a pair of single walled carbon nanotubes and enzymes on a single plane is reported, which allows for extremely close spacing of electrodes. The discrete device has a measured power and current density of 18mW/cm2 and 90mA/cm2, respectively, into 200TΩ. Analysis of measurements from up to 3million devices in parallel shows that the performance will improve by at least 2 orders of magnitude at peak power. [Display omitted] •Discrete planar enzymatic biofuel cell consisting of a pair of carbon nanotubes.•Architecture allows for electrode spacing of 2µm and possibly smaller.•Current and power density were measured to be 90mA/cm2 and 18mW/cm2.•Up to 3 million measured in parallel suggest over 1A/cm2 and 1W/cm2 possible.•High performance from close spacing of electrodes and a simple path for electrons.