ANDREW KARMAN, 2011 SURF-IT FELLOWGOBIND BISHT, GRADUATE STUDENT DR. MARC MADOU, FACULTY MENTOR

DR. LAWRENCE KULINSKY, FACULTY MENTOR

Sugar-Powered Fuel Cells

Background

Biological MicroElectroMechanical Systems Implantable electrically-operated devices:

Pacemakers Defibrillators Insulin pumps Drug delivery systems

Power supplies: Primary (non-rechargeable) batteries Secondary batteries

Serious drawbacks in terms of safety, reliability, and scalability

Objective

Development of biofuel cell: Device to mimic

nature’s method of energy generation Conversion of

biochemical energy into electrical energy

Anodic/Cathodic enzyme Glucose oxidase /

Laccase (0.78V)

CMEMS Architecture

Attractive features of carbon in electrochemical application Wide electrochemical potential window Good electrical conductivity Chemical and mechanical stability Low cost

CMEMS Fabrication Process

Carbon Electrode Functionalization & Enzyme Attachment

Challenges & Future Outlook

Problems to Overcome: 1) Low cell voltages & power densities 2) Adsorption of interfering species 3) Electrical contact between redox enzymes &

electrode

Prototype in Development: Preliminary results appear promising!

Questions?