Redox-Polymer-Based High-Current-Density Gas-Diffusion H2-Oxidation Bioanode Using [FeFe] Hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans in a Membrane-free Biofuel Cell

Abstract

The incorporation of highly active but also highly sensitive catalysts (e.g. the [FeFe] hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans) in biofuel cells is still one of the major challenges in sustainable energy conversion. We report the fabrication of a dual-gas diffusion electrode H2/O2 biofuel cell equipped with a [FeFe] hydrogenase/redox polymer-based high-current-density H2-oxidation bioanode. The bioanodes show benchmark current densities of around 14 mA cm−2 and the corresponding fuel cell tests exhibit a benchmark for a hydrogenase/redox polymer-based biofuel cell with outstanding power densities of 5.4 mW cm−2 at 0.7 V cell voltage. Furthermore, the highly sensitive [FeFe] hydrogenase is protected against oxygen damage by the redox polymer and can function under 5 % O2.