Turning Glucose and Starch into Electricity with an Enzymatic Fuel Cell

Here we present a biofuel cell that can turn glucose and starch into electric energy. Compartmentalized with a Nafion® membrane, the cell oxidizes biofuels and reduces O2 in the anolyte and catholyte, respectively. Glucose is oxidized by glucose oxidase (GOx), and the released electrons are transported to the anode by 1,4-benzoquinone (BZQ). Oxygen is reduced by laccase (Lac) that receives electrons from the cathode carried by 2,2′-azino-bis(3- ethylbenothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS). When starch is fed, amylase is added in the anolyte for saccharification. The cell can generate a power density of ca. 50 μW/cm2 at 25 °C rapidly, even with a starch fuel. In this paper, we will detail the factors that affect the cell performances and demonstrate the biofuel cell's niche in electronic devices.