Send link
Biofuel cell developed in Finland
24.10.2006
A compact, inexpensive, disposable power source for consumer applications
An enzyme-based power source is a viable source of electricity for the rapidly proliferating RFID tags used in the medical sector and logistics. Applications include plasters containing a memory circuit and measuring electrode for temperature, and sensors monitoring food quality. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is developing printable biofuel cells in which enzymes convert the energy bound in the renewable fuels - sugar, alcohols, etc. - into electricity.
VTT is developing an enzyme-based power source that converts the chemical
energy bound in the organic compounds (fuels) into electricity. The enzymes
act as catalysts that facilitate the use of e.g. sugar and alcohols as fuels.
VTT's invention is based on the use of the fungal laccase enzyme on the
cathodic compartment. A patent on the solution, which has yielded a 0.7V
voltage with a current density of 20 microampere per square centimetre, is
pending. Laccase is also suitable for printable technology applications as it
retains its ability to produce electricity even when printed on paper.
Printable
enzyme-based power sources are compact, inexpensive and disposable. Potential
applications include sensors used in the logistics chain, temperature sensors
for food products, adhesive medical sensors and printed screens. Applications
will probably become more widespread in the 2010s.
The
enzymes replace the traditional precious metal catalysts, and the fuel cells
operate with good overall efficiency in standard pressure at ambient
temperature. The ability to mass-produce the fuel cells as printable products
will enable a dramatic reduction in costs. They are also disposable, thanks to
the biodegradable raw materials and fuels.
The development of
biofuel cells is being carried out within the framework of the Printable
Miniature Power Sources project, in which the Helsinki University of
Technology (coordinator), VTT and Åbo Akademi are acting as research partners.
The later stages of the project concern the development of a mass production
method based on printable technology. VTT is also continuing its research in
an EU project concerned with the use of biofuel cells as a power source for
biosensors.
Figure
1.
Research Specialists Anu Koivula, Maria Smolander and Harry
Boer from VTT believe that biofuel cells will also become available for
consumer applications.
Figure
2.
Figure
3.
A printed enzyme-based power source.