Microfluidic Enzymatic Glucose Biofuel Cell with MWCNT patterned Printed Circuit Board Electrodes

Abstract

Enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) have gained a substantial attention due to their ability to be produce clean, economical and qualitative self-sustainable power. In this regards, a variety of methodologies have been reported in the field of device and electrode manufacturing, and dedicated enzyme immobilization chemistry. However, the lower power output, shorter enzyme life, and high operating and maintenance overheads are key barriers to the commercialization of EBFCs. Here, easily fabricated and cost-efficient printed circuit board (PCB) electrodes, patterned with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), have been presented. These bioelectrodes were further positioned over a Y-shaped PDMS microchannel and tested under microfluidic environment. The electrodes were further immobilized with GOx and laccase enzymes, to behave as anode and cathode respectively, and voltammetric electrochemical performance was established with respective electrolytes (glucose and oxygen). Finally the polarization studies of fully integrated EBFC were evaluated, where the maximum peak power density of 2.29 μW.cm-2 was observed at maximum current density of 32 μA.cm-2 with open circuit potential of 0.257 V.