High-power non-enzymatic glucose biofuel cells based on three-dimensional platinum nanoclusters immobilized on multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Non-enzymatic glucose biofuel cells (GBFCs) has been renewed interest because of good long-term stability and adequate power density. Here we demonstrate the application of a three-dimensional (3D) nanocomposites electrode for implantable GBFCs with simple fabrication protocol, good performance (a high power density 2.3 mW cm −2 and an open circuit potential 0.70 V in physiological environment) and excellent stability. 3D flowerlike platinum (Pt) nanoparticle clusters are electrodeposited onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by using an all-electrochemical protocol, which involves a key, second step of a potential pulse sequence. The potential widths can change the size and distance of the nuclei and clusters. The resulting 3D Pt morphology of a new type is found to exhibit significantly higher electrocatalytic activity and better stability than the dispersive morphology for glucose oxidation reaction (GOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). We also investigate the application (polarization test, biofuel cell performance and degradation behavior) of this process for the fabrication of both anode and cathode in GBFCs. This new procedure might give credence for construction of a new generation of GBFCs operating at mild conditions or boost the power outputs and make them suitable for diverse applications.