Sandwich Biobattery with Enzymatic Cathode and Zinc Anode for Powering Sensors

Renata Bilewicz, Dominika Majdecka, Michal Kizling, Krzysztof Stolarczyk, Paweł Krysiński, Jerzy Golimowski,

Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw Pasteura 1, Warszawa 02-093, Poland

The advantages of biobatteries include easy miniaturization and utility for powering small devices e.g. sensors, switches, watches and other electronic devices. Recently, we have shown the biobattery parameters and its application for powering a clock [1]. Our aim was to optimize the construction of the biobattery and couple it with a biosensor for neurotransmitter detection. Arylated multiwall carbon nanotubes with bound laccase are used on the cathode for the reduction of oxygen and zinc disc covered with hopeite is the anode. Arylated carbon nanotubes increase the working surface of the electrode, and provide direct contact with the active sites of laccase. The electrode substrate is carbon paper. The zinc – air sandwich biobattery works under stationary or flow conditions. Parameters and time dependencies of the flow cell were evaluated. The system including the sandwich biobattery connected with the sensor was employed for monitoring selected neurotransmitters.

 

1. K. Stolarczyk; M. Kizling; D. Majdecka; K. Zelechowska; J. F Biernat; J. Rogalski; R. Bilewicz „Biobatteries and Biofuel Cells with Biphenylated Carbon Nanotubes” J. Power Sources 2014, 249, 263–269.