Capillary force pumping fluid for glucose oxidase enzymatic fuel cells

Abstract

Micro-fluidic channel plate for self-pumping glucose oxidase enzymatic fuel cell was designed and fabricated. Fuel was driven into the fuel cell by a capillary force without any extra pump. Fuel cell structure design included both end plates and micro-fluidic flow channel plate. Three reservoirs are fabricated onto the end plate. According to the experimental analysis, the cathode and anode flow rate were less than ideal flow rate. Anode and cathode flow rate were 0.499 µl.s−1 and 0.764 µl.s−1, respectively. And the capillary driven liquid efficiency of anode and cathode flow field was 36 % and 53 %, respectively. The result of Tafel test for self-pumping fluid enzymatic fuel cell showing a power output 0.534 mW.cm−2 (111.217 mW.cm−3) was achieved. Comparing to the active pumping method, the passive (self-pumping) method showed a lower output power. However, the current output performance of long term experiments at a constant voltage of 0.42 V indicated that the self-pumping fluid enzymatic fuel cell may work stably under a continuous fuel supply. It provides a solution for bio-pumping power source different from current power generators.