Mechanism and performance of an inexpensive monosaccharide biofuel cell

Abstract

As diversification is touted as the future of energy production, and noting that nature relies primarily on carbohydrates as its energy source, we have recently focused on the development and understanding of a simple fuel cell apparatus that harnesses electrons from glucose. This cell utilizes a redox dye in basic conditions to oxidize monosaccharides. In this work we provide evidence for possible chemical mechanisms and power profiles from fructose. Such a cell can operate at 3 mW/cm2 without precious metals.