High power enzymatic biofuel cell based on naphthoquinone-mediated oxidation of glucose by glucose oxidase in a carbon nanotube 3D matrix

Abstract

We report the design of a novel glucose/O₂ biofuel cell (GBFC) integrating carbon nanotube-based 3D bioelectrodes and using naphthoquinone-mediated oxidation of glucose by glucose oxidase and direct oxygen reduction by laccase. The GBFCs exhibit high open circuit voltages of 0.76 V, high current densities of 4.47 mA cm⁻², and maximum power output of 1.54 mW cm⁻², 1.92 mW mL⁻¹ and 2.67 mW g⁻¹. The GBFC is able to constantly deliver 0.56 mW h cm⁻² under discharge at 0.5 V, showing among the best in vitro performances for a GBFC. Using a charge pump, the GBFC finally powered a Light Emitting Diode (LED), demonstrating its ability to amplify micro watts to power mW-demanding electronic devices.