Design of a H2/O2 biofuel cell based on thermostable enzymes

Abstract : A new generation of mediatorless H2/O2 biofuel cells was designed based on a hyperthermophilic O2-tolerant hydrogenase and a thermostable bilirubin oxidase both immobilized on carbon nanofibers. A power density up to 1.5±0.2 mW*cm−2 at 60 °Cwas reached. This first demonstration of a H2/O2 biofuel cell able to deliver electricity over awide range of temperatures, from30 °C up to 80 °C, and over a large pHwindow, allows considering this device as an alternative power supply for small portable applications in various environments, including extreme ones.