Enzymatic biofuel cell

A bio - fuel cell converts the chemical reaction energy of a fuel continuously supplied and an oxidant into electrical energy. Unlike conventional fuel cells are in the bio- fuels to biological energy.

Fuel cell types

Microbial fuel cells

In microbial fuel cells ( MBZ ) are live microorganisms that process as part of their energy metabolism organic substances used directly for energy. The resulting electrons are transferred in the metabolism of these microorganisms on an electrode, thus enabling the generation of electricity. The microorganisms meet here in the MBZ function as a biocatalyst. Applications of microbial fuel cells are the energy generation from effluents and solid wastes, but the current densities currently achievable allow no economically meaningful use on a larger scale.

Blood glucose fuel cell

By an electrochemical reaction of the body's blood glucose energy can be recovered, which can be used for example for the supply of medical implants. Such a fuel cell operates on the same principle as the production of energy of living cells. While glucose is enzymatically oxidized at the negative pole, and the recovered hydrogen is split into electrons and protons. The electrons flow through an external conductor through a load to the positive pole and the protons diffuse through a separator. On the positive respond back under enzymatic Help the electrons and protons with atmospheric oxygen to form water. In order for a battery change would be superfluous in particular for long-term implants.

Enzymatic fuel cell

An enzymatic fuel cell is a special type bio-fuel cell that uses enzymes as a catalyst for the oxidation of the fuel. The enzymes thus provide an alternative to expensive catalyst metals dar.

The enzymes offer here compared to conventional catalysts several advantages. Thus, the enzymes can be relatively easily in large numbers produce and therefore have a much better availability than, say, standard platinum catalysts.

In addition, enzymes work well with organic fuels such as sugar and alcohol, so that not only can get cheap fuels are used, but also applications in the field of medical technology, for example, for implants come in question. The only downside to catalyst metals is that enzymes have a much shorter shelf life.

Applications

Currently ( 2012) there is no commercial application of biofuel cells. As can be seen from current research projects, for example, are The following applications are conceivable:

  • Energy Harvesting - for example, battery for independent power supply of implants with a blood sugar fuel cell
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