Next-generation high-performance biofuel cell

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Enzymatic biofuel cells have a potential to achieve a high current density of 102 mA/cm2, a value required for portable energy devices, with fuels such as glucose and ethanol. Model calculations have suggested that a high-surface area three-dimensional carbon electrode made of redox-polymer-grafted carbon black can realize the required current density. The main reason of the low current density obtained thus far was the deactivation of enzymes upon adsorption on hydrophobic surface of carbon black. Surface modification of carbon black and the use of hyperthermophilic enzymes are effective in reducing the deactivation of enzymes.