Collaborative Research: Engineering Design of Oxygen Rich Surfaces for Bioelectrodes

本基金的研究目标是阐明多孔金属氧化物支撑的生物功能化膜作为生物电极和生物燃料电池材料的氧传输，渗透和释放的基本过程。 该研究项目将研究多孔三维网络中金属掺杂和混合金属氧化物的催化，氧化还原和氧储存和释放特性，该网络将用于制造能够在生理和环境温度条件下运行的“富氧”表面。 一套光谱，电化学，和扫描电化学显微镜方法将被用来促进在多孔层中的酶/掺杂的金属氧化物界面处的氧传输机制的理解，并建立组合物，形态和相应的生物电催化性能之间的相关性。 这项研究将提高表面的氧气利用率和渗透性，提高生物电极的整体性能。如果成功，这项跨学科的合作努力将能够开发出可用于氧气限制条件的新一代材料和表面。 这项研究在生物电化学和生物燃料电池领域引入了一种独特的技术，以促进氧气的流动性并提供储存/释放能力。 该研究项目将促进学生培训各个方面的批判性思维技能的创新和发展，以发展知识基础，使未来的发现成为可能。 研究生和本科生，特别是少数民族和妇女，将参加这项研究。 K12学生和教师将通过两个合作机构的既定机制接触这项研究。

The research objective of this grant is to elucidate the fundamental processes of the oxygen transport, permeability, and release in porous, metal oxide supported biofunctionalized membranes, as materials for bioelectrodes and biofuel cells. The research project will study the catalytic, redox, and oxygen storage and release properties of metal doped and mixed metal oxides within a porous tridimensional network that will be used to fabricate "oxygen-rich" surfaces that are able to operate under physiological and ambient temperature conditions. A suite of spectroscopic, electrochemical, and scanning electrochemical microscopy methods will be used to facilitate understanding of the oxygen transport mechanism at the enzyme/doped metal oxide interface in the porous layer and to establish correlations between composition, morphology, and corresponding bioelectrocatalytic performance. This research will improve oxygen availability and permeability at surfaces, enhancing the overall performance of bioelectrodes.If successful, this interdisciplinary collaborative effort will enable development of a new generation of materials and surfaces that can be used in oxygen restrictive conditions. This research introduces a unique technology in the field of bioelectrochemistry and biofuel cells for facilitating oxygen mobility and providing storage/release capabilities. This research project will promote innovation and development of critical thinking skills in all aspects of student training to develop a foundation of knowledge that will enable future discoveries. Graduate and undergraduate students, especially minorities and women, will participate in this research. K12 students and teachers will be exposed to this research through established mechanisms at the two collaborating institutions.