Sandwich-Type Enzymatic Fuel Cell Based on a New Electro-Conductive Material - Ion Jelly

摘要

In the present work, Ion Jelly films based on 1-ethyl-3methylimidazolium ethylsulfate,with incorporated redox proteins and enzymes were deposited on carbon screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), and their electrochemical characterization was attained. Ion Jelly synthesis was carried out simultaneously with protein incorporation in its structure, followed by a maturation step under controlled atmosphere (4 days at 4 degrees Cand water activity (aw) of 0.76). The electrochemical response of the material was characterized, and a sandwich-type fuel cell configuration was subsequently built, consisting of two SPEs containing two independent Ion Jelly discs in the middle; one disc incorporated Desulfovibrio gigas cytochrome c(3) and NiFehydrogenase, while the other disc contained aldehyde oxidoreductase, constituting the biocathode and bioanode of the cell, respectively. Cell voltage increased with time in the presence of benzaldehyde, in agreement with a successful electronic pathway across the cell and the concomitant aldehyde oxidoreductase enzymatic activity. In the cathodic side assays, hydrogenase showed catalytic activity towards H+ reduction to H-2.