Design of Biomimetic O2 Electro Reduction Catalysts Self-Assembled on Oxide Supports in Neutral Aqueous Solution: A Cathode for a Bio Fuel Cell in Physiological Solution

摘要

Bio fuel cells are devices meant to "scavenge" chemicals from biological sera to make electricity to power any number of electrical devices, like: pumps, valves and pacemakers, or electronic devices, like: radios, sensors, controllers, processors, etc. Scavenging fuel for the anode from biological fluids is a relatively new development. On the other hand, scavenging air for the cathode to make electricity has long been the aim of air batteries and fuel cells. Air cathodes have been a great challenge and are the source of the greatest loss (voltaic) in conventional fuel cells. Bio fuel cells pose a new set of challenges. Mainly these challenges involve problems centered on biocompatibility. One way to meet the bio cathode challenge is to use an enzyme, because enzymes, like laccase, are known to have superb specificity and reactivity for oxygen reduction. Of course, laccase and all the enzymes also have all the problems associated with enzymes: poor stability, storage, and restricted temper4atrure and humidity of operation. One attractive alternative way to try to meet the bio fuel cell cathode challenge is to synthesize biomimetic coordination complexes with a tether to self assemble a monolayer of oxygen reduction catalyst on an inert oxide covered electron conducting current collecting surface, as is schematically shown in Figure 1, below.