Oriented Enzymatic Electrodes with Enhanced Charge Transfer

Our objective is to develop a novel method for structurally orienting enzymes onto an electrode surface. The technology will significantly increase the electron transfer efficiency of the electrode and thereby enable a state-of-the-art energy source for low power military and commercial systems. The proposed enzymatic fuel cell (EFC) will leverage ongoing research at both CFDRC and the University of New Mexico to provide a fully-integrated manufacturable and renewable power supply. In Phase I, we will demonstrate the use of both tethering and orientation agents for the cathode side of the device. We will combine this with our existing enzymatic anode and EFC test hardware to evaluate the technology. In Phase II, we will extend the orientation methods to the anode side of the device as well as further develop the EFC system. The fully-integrated prototype will be capable of providing a proof-of-concept demonstration as a portable military low-power source. A multi-disciplinary team with proven expertise in electrochemical power sources, biomicrosystems, bioelectrochemistry, and system design has been assembled to accomplish these goals.