Recent Advances in Enzymatic Fuel Cells: Experiments and Modeling

Ivan Ivanov, Tanja Vidaković-Koch and Kai Sundmacher
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Ivan Ivanov: Max-Planck-Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
Tanja Vidaković-Koch: Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany
Kai Sundmacher: Max-Planck-Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany

Energies, 2010, vol. 3, issue 4, 1-44

Abstract: Enzymatic fuel cells convert the chemical energy of biofuels into electrical energy. Unlike traditional fuel cell types, which are mainly based on metal catalysts, the enzymatic fuel cells employ enzymes as catalysts. This fuel cell type can be used as an implantable power source for a variety of medical devices used in modern medicine to administer drugs, treat ailments and monitor bodily functions. Some advantages in comparison to conventional fuel cells include a simple fuel cell design and lower cost of the main fuel cell components, however they suffer from severe kinetic limitations mainly due to inefficiency in electron transfer between the enzyme and the electrode surface. In this review article, the major research activities concerned with the enzymatic fuel cells (anode and cathode development, system design, modeling) by highlighting the current problems (low cell voltage, low current density, stability) will be presented.

Keywords: biofuel cell; enzymatic electrode; bioelectrocatalysis; modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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