Enzymatic Fuel Cell

What Is Enzymatic Fuel Cell?

AnEnzymaticbiofuelcellis a specific type offuel
cellthat usesenzymes as acatalysttooxidizeits
fuel, rather than precious metals
Advantages Over Ordinary Fuel Cells
Enzymes are relatively easy to mass-produce and so benefit
fromeconomies of scale, whereas precious metals must be
mined and so have aninelastic supply.
The fuel for enzymatic biofuel cells is extremely cheapand
can be grown in massive scale.
Enzymes are not prone as platinum to deactivation due to
surface poisoning .
Enzymatic oxidation occurs at relatively mild conditions
(Neutral pH and ambient temperature) compared to
conventional fuel cells.
Due to the specificity of the reaction; eliminates the need
for separator and housing components thus the cell
miniaturised.
Problems Of Enzymatic Fuel
Cell?
Enzyme immobilization-
Animmobilized enzymeis anenzymethat is attached to
an inert material. Providing increased resistance to changes in
conditions (pH& temperature).
Enzymes are held in place throughout the reaction, thus
are easily separated from the products and may be used
again.
Enzymes must be immobilized on the electrode in such a
way that it can exchange electrons directly with the electrode
to facilitate the transfer of electrons.
Poor immobilization causes low power density and short
lifetime.
Immobilization Strategies are,
1. Physical Adsorption.
2. Entrapment in polymer matrices.
 Enzyme Size-
Due to the larger sizes of enzymes(5mm dia) compared
to 1-5nm of Pt catalyst, limits the possible electrode coverage.

To increase the density of enzyme present on the electrode

to maintain fuel cell activity, a porous electrode can be
used instead of one that is planar.
An alternative is to form films withgraphiteparticles
adsorbed with enzyme inside apolymer matrix. The
graphite particles then can collect and transport electrons
to the electrode surface.
Entrapment of enzymes in polymers, use of redox
mediators.
Carbon nanotubes can be used as electrodes as they are
very porous and conductive.